Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  The woman’s eyes grew large as she curtseyed to the gentleman. “Forgive me, Mrs. Lizzy, but am I to understand your father is considering making changes?”

  Elizabeth laughed. “It is difficult to accept, but I believe Will has given Papa hope and a desire to leave a legacy for his grandson.”

  “Well then Mr. Darcy, you must speak to my husband.” Mrs. Rodgers called out to the eldest of the children playing nearby and told him to fetch his father from the field.

  “Hold up there, young man,” Darcy called. “I will accompany you.” He bowed to the ladies and started off at a trot to catch up to the boy.

  “My, Mrs. Lizzy, it seems things have turned out far better than anyone expected.”

  Elizabeth grinned. “It does indeed, Mrs. Rodgers.”

  ***********

  The party in the curricle returned to Netherfield in silence. Will was cuddled on his mother’s lap, sleeping after his morning exercise, and Elizabeth was content to simply enjoy the lovely weather.

  “Which of us should report to your father?” Darcy asked as he drew the vehicle to a stop before the front steps of the manor.

  “I am certain he would appreciate hearing suggestions from us both.” Elizabeth ran a hand over her son’s hair and whispered his name. “Will, we are home. Come now, you must wake so you can open your birthday presents.”

  The boy rubbed his eyes and yawned but was fully awake a moment later when an orangish blur appeared on the steps closely followed by Miss Darcy.

  “Oh, William, he got away.”

  Darcy, who had already descended from the equipage, whistled sharply and what appeared to be a ball of fur stopped at his feet. “Sit! Now stay.” He turned back to the pair in the curricle with a broad smile. “Will, come son.” He held out his hands and the boy nearly leapt into his arms. Moving the child to his left arm, he handed Elizabeth down and moved toward the quivering puppy.

  Will squealed when Darcy knelt. “Happy birthday, Will,” he said and set the boy down.

  The puppy, seeing someone nearer his size, was unable to remain in his position and soon the two were rolling about in the dirt, giggling and barking.

  Elizabeth looked up to see the others had joined Miss Darcy on the steps and no one was immune to the child’s joy. Darcy stood beside her, his hand resting upon her back while he grinned at the pair.

  With difficulty, she schooled her features into a frown and spoke to draw his attention. “You are quite pleased with yourself, Mr. Darcy, but could you not have set them on the grass? His clothing is surely ruined.”

  There was a moment when his countenance fell, but her returning smile muted the sting of her reproach. “Forgive me, madam, I was not thinking.” He stepped forward and scooped up both wriggling bodies before proceeding around the house to the gardens.

  Elizabeth laughed and followed along with the others.

  ***********

  The Bennets joined the Netherfield party again that evening to celebrate Will’s birthday and deliver their presents. After the children had returned to the nursery and the meal was complete, Darcy and Elizabeth joined Mr. Bennet in Bingley’s study to share their thoughts regarding Longbourn and its tenants. The Master of Longbourn was impressed with their suggestions and agreed to research the best way to implement them.

  When they finished, Mr. Bennet motioned for his daughter to return to the others, leaving the men alone a bit longer. Anticipating the older gentleman’s actions, Darcy moved toward his friend’s liquor cabinet and poured them each a brandy.

  Though he accepted the glass, Mr. Bennet set it on the table to his left and met the younger man’s gaze. “What are your intentions to my daughter, Mr. Darcy?”

  After regaining his seat, Darcy took a sip before responding. “I love Elizabeth and am only waiting for her mourning to end before asking her to be my wife.”

  Mr. Bennet steepled his fingers before him. “I see.” He nodded sagely. “I realize Elizabeth is of age, but you do not feel it necessary to request my blessing? Of course, you most likely hold some animosity against me for what I did to my daughter.”

  “It is not my place,” Darcy replied as he studied his glass.

  “No.” Mr. Bennet’s voice rose a fraction. “Did Elizabeth ever tell you I asked after her affections for you before pressing the match with Collins?”

  Darcy’s head snapped upward.

  “The night of Bingley’s ball. You placed us in a carriage to return to Longbourn. I suspected you had feelings for Lizzy but felt I could not wait for you to come to your senses or Elizabeth to see your worth. Within a few days you were gone, and I realized I was correct not to put my faith in you.”

  “Elizabeth would not have accepted me,” Darcy replied in a low defeated voice. He met Mr. Bennet’s gaze directly and his voice grew stronger. “I begged her forgiveness for not rescuing her from Collins and she told me, in a most direct manner, that she would not have had me.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed. “Yes, she did dislike you at that time.”

  “As I deserved for the manner in which I treated her.” Darcy leaned forward in his seat. “I love your daughter and her children dearly. I promise you I will cherish them for the rest of my life.”

  “I know you will. No man loves more dearly than he that has lost.” Mr. Bennet lifted his glass in toast to Darcy. “And you have my blessing, sir.”

  They finished their drinks as they further discussed the changes for Longbourn, and then rejoined the others with a fresh understanding between them.

  ***********

  The next morning found the Netherfield party upon the front steps once more. Anne was ready to return home and the Darcys were to accompany her. Rascal, as the puppy had been named, ran up and down the steps, between the people and the carriage, until Darcy whistled, and the animal dropped down at his feet.

  “I must learn to whistle,” Elizabeth muttered while shaking her head.

  “Bingley is capable,” Darcy assured her. He bowed over her hand, his eyes never leaving hers. “Georgiana and I will return on our way to Pemberley. Is there anything you require from London?”

  “Only your safe travels.” She squeezed his fingers.

  While Darcy reminded Will of the commands that Rascal knew, Elizabeth said goodbye to Anne and Georgiana. “You will not travel far to-day,” she begged. “You have already delayed, and it will be getting warm.”

  “Do not fret, Lizzy,” Anne admonished. “The day is cloudy and cooler. It appears it might rain which would be refreshing. There will be less dust and we will be able to open the windows.”

  Elizabeth shook her head and turned to Miss Darcy. “Make her stop before she becomes ill.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  They embraced, Rascal running a circle about them while Will followed scolding him. “Does your brother always leave chaos behind?” Elizabeth asked with a laugh.

  Georgiana giggled. “Only lately.”

  Another sharp whistle and all quieted. Darcy was able to hand the ladies into the carriage and join them himself while Bingley held the dog and Will was settled on Elizabeth’s hip. Once the equipage was out of sight, the sisters returned inside with Will while Bingley delivered Rascal to the stables. Jane slipped her arm through Elizabeth’s as they moved toward the nursery.

  “You will finally be happy, Lizzy.”

  “I am happy now, Jane.”

  “Yes, but I believe you will have what God intended all along.” She ran a hand over her nephew’s hair. “I could not be more pleased for you.”

  “I believe God will smile on us all this year.” Elizabeth pulled her sister’s arm closer to her side. “You are glowing, Jane.”

  Her sister caressed her skirts where her rounded stomach was beginning to show. “This time it feels different. Oh, Lizzy, I hope …” Tears filled her eyes and she bit off her words.

  “I know, Jane. And I will be right here by your side every step of the way.”

  ***********


  One month later, the Darcy carriage rolled to a stop at the bottom of the Netherfield steps. Will knelt at Elizabeth’s side, his arms wrapped around Rascal’s neck, waiting for the doors to open. When Bingley stepped forward, the little man and his hound were by his side, rushing toward the equipage.

  “Will, you must allow them to exit,” Elizabeth called out. She snuggled Anne against her shoulder and whispered, “Your brother is as impatient as his Unca Da.”

  The baby patted her hand against her mother’s cheek.

  “Yes, of course, you are correct. I am impatient also.” She moved down the steps when Darcy approached holding their son while the puppy danced about his feet.

  “Welcome back to Netherfield, Mr. Darcy.” She curtseyed as he bowed then turned to embrace his sister. “Georgiana, I am so pleased to see you again.” Elizabeth stepped back and examined their drawn expressions. “Something is wrong.”

  “Richard,” Georgiana whispered.

  “Our cousin has been injured at Waterloo,” Darcy explained. He turned toward Bingley. “I was hoping Georgiana could stay with you. My uncle has asked me to meet the ship.”

  “Of course, you need not ask,” Bingley replied, clapping his hand upon Darcy’s shoulder. “Would you like me to accompany you?”

  Darcy shook his head. “I do not know how long I will be.”

  “If Charles can be of assistance, I beg you allow him to do so, Darcy.” Jane rested her hand upon her husband’s arm. “It will weigh upon us all until we hear that the Colonel is arrived safely. Knowing you are not alone will be a comfort.” She glanced at Elizabeth and Georgiana as she finished.

  Darcy bowed his head. “I thank you for your wisdom, Mrs. … Jane.” Darcy gave her a weak smile. “I would welcome your company, Bingley, but I must leave immediately. I have no idea which ship he is on or when it will arrive.”

  “I will have my man pack a bag while you take some nourishment and rest.” Bingley hurried up the stairs and into the house.

  “Come, Darcy.” Jane took Anne from her sister’s arms and entered the house. “There is tea in the drawing room,” she called over her shoulder.

  Georgiana took Will from her brother and followed their hostess while her trunks were unloaded from the carriage and Rascal was carried off to the stables by a footman. Elizabeth slipped her hand about Darcy’s arm and led him after the others.

  “Have you word of the seriousness of his injury?” she asked.

  Darcy shook his head. “Only that it was suffered when his mount was killed. It could be as simple as a broken bone or as deadly as a bayonet or bullet wound.”

  She laid her other hand upon his arm and rested her head against his shoulder. “He is in God’s hands, William.”

  “I know. It is the waiting which I cannot abide.” His hand lifted to caress her cheek. “You are aware I am not a patient man.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “But think on this; we had anticipated a long, uneventful year which would seem to last forever. Your cousin is doing his best to distract us.”

  A rough laugh escaped him as he bent and kissed the top of her head. “I suppose that is one way to think of it. I shall let him know he need not have gone to such lengths when I see him.”

  “Yes. Advise him that a simple brawl in the gardens at Rosings would have been sufficient.” She smiled up at him before becoming more serious. “We will all be praying for his safe return. Please tell him I expect a dance with him once we are wed.”

  Darcy bit his lip. “I will pass along your request once I am certain he will be able to fulfil it.”

  “Yes,” Elizabeth nodded sadly, “you are correct. Let him know we are all anxious to see him again.”

  He nodded and patted her hand which still rested upon his arm. “How are you, my love? Are your fears for little Anne settled?”

  “Somewhat. The physician you sent declared her to be healthy. He suggested her looks might change as she grows, and the difference become less noticeable.” She sighed. “Kitty pointed out that her ears are different, and she simply wears her hair in such a way to cover them or make it less noticeable. She suggested Anne would be able to do the same … when she has enough hair.”

  Darcy stopped and turned Elizabeth to face him. “She is beautiful, Elizabeth. She is a child of God and none will think her lacking.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “I told Jane you would reassure me better than any other.”

  He kissed her forehead before leading her into the drawing room. Tea was already upon the table and Jane was pouring cups for everyone. Elizabeth claimed a seat beside Georgiana and held her hand while Darcy accepted his tea. He had finished and his foot was just beginning to tap when Bingley entered the room.

  “My bag is already secured, and we may leave when you are ready.” He kissed his wife on the cheek and patted Will on the head. “You are the man of the house, Will. Look after the ladies.”

  “I will,” the boy replied as he moved to sit between his mother and Georgiana. He was rewarded with a biscuit.

  The ladies began to rise, but the men motioned for them to remain.

  “We are off straight away,” Darcy explained before dropping a kiss on the top of his sister’s head.

  Will climbed down to hug Darcy’s leg and was lifted for a proper embrace. “Unca Bing told you right, Will. This is another responsibility.”

  A wide grin covered the boy’s countenance. “I big brudda’, Rascal’s masta’, and man a da house.”

  “That is correct. I have one more for you, if you think yourself able.” The child nodded so Darcy leaned forward and whispered in his ear. Though Will giggled, when the man was finished, the boy nodded vigorously. “You are a good lad.” Darcy squeezed him tightly and returned him to the spot between Georgiana and Elizabeth.

  “Whatever did Unca Da tell you?” his mother asked, but the boy shook his head. Elizabeth looked questioningly at Darcy, who winked just before he turned away.

  “We will write when we have arrived,” Bingley called as the men exited the room.

  Georgiana dabbed at her eyes while Jane and Elizabeth tried to speak of nothings which might amuse her. Will laid a hand upon her leg and looked up at her with rounded eyes.

  “An’ Georgie, you wanna play wi’ Rascal?”

  “I think I would, Will.” She returned her handkerchief to her reticule then stood and held out her hand to the boy.

  “Shall we all come?” Elizabeth asked, but Georgianna shook her head.

  “It is not necessary. Will and I shall return shortly.”

  The boy slipped his fingers into hers and led her from the room. Jane sighed as she watched them go, drawing Elizabeth’s attention.

  “What is it, Jane?”

  Her sister laid a finger to the corner of her eye and blinked. “I was thinking how much I hope this child will be a boy.” She laid a hand upon her stomach while her gaze fell to the baby in her arms. “But I cannot stop thinking it is a girl.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Well, shall we be like Lady Catherine and Lady Anne and begin planning their union?”

  “Oh, Lizzy,” Jane laughed. “Most certainly not! My daughter shall marry whomever she desires.”

  “But, as wonderful as Will is, it may be likely he will be her choice.” She swallowed the last of her tea and rose to walk to the window. Her gaze fell upon Will and Georgiana where they ran down the garden paths with Rascal at their heels. The young lady’s spirits seemed to have lifted. “I wonder what Darcy told Will,” she muttered.

  “I suspect he was instructed to amuse you and Georgie when you appear sad.” Jane replied as she approached and brushed her shoulder against her sister’s.

  “You are most likely correct.” Elizabeth sighed. “And he is doing an admirable job.”

  *CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX*

  Bingley returned to Netherfield alone the middle of July. The Colonel had arrived in England with many scars, but only one serious wound. His leg had indeed been broken when his horse f
ell upon him, but he had been able to pull himself free and received a medal for his bravery in continuing to fight until finally being dragged from the field by his batman. Darcy had taken him straight to his home in London, eschewing the Fitzwilliam townhouse where his cousin insisted his mother and sister would force feed him tea and refuse him liqueurs of any kind. No longer needed, Bingley left for Netherfield to collect Georgiana and return her to London, promising he would only be gone another day.

  That evening, Elizabeth watched Jane rub her stomach repeatedly and sigh every few minutes. A few months earlier, her sisters’ actions would have increased Elizabeth’s frustration as Jane had only been separated from her husband for a few weeks, where she was forced to endure another eight or more months before she and Darcy could be together again. Instead, she encouraged Jane to read aloud from A Midsummer Night’s Dream while Elizabeth finished a blanket for the coming babe.

  As promised, Bingley was back in their presence the following afternoon and able to provide details of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s continued recovery. “He asked me to assure you, Elizabeth, he has no plans to brawl in the gardens at Rosings in the near future.” He raised a brow. “Dare I ask?”

  “Perhaps it would be better coming from Darcy,” she replied, feeling her cheeks heat.

  Bingley shrugged and turned his attention once more to his wife. “How are you feeling, my dear?”

  “Perfectly content now that you are home,” Jane answered and leaned her head upon his shoulder.

  Taking this as a request for privacy, Elizabeth excused herself and headed for the nursery to see her children.

  Thus, life continued through the hot summer months and into the autumn. Darcy and Georgiana stopped at Netherfield on their way to Pemberley and shared that Colonel Fitzwilliam had at last relocated to his family’s home where his mother and sister did indeed coddle him and limit the amount he imbibed, though his father was known to slip a bottle of spirits into his son’s room. With Napoleon defeated and the Colonel’s leg not fully recovered, it was decided the Colonel would resign from the regulars, but would continue in overseeing the militia.