Lizzy frowned. “As delightful as it is to have family about, I do not want Alexander exposed to an endless parade of people handling him.”
“I emphatically agree. We will be cautious. They can gaze upon his adorable face as he lays here in his cradle or wait until he wakes. By the way, I spoke with Reverend Bertram this afternoon and scheduled the christening for the Sunday following Christmas. Nearly all the family will be here so it is perfect, do you agree?”
“Absolutely.” She peered up at his face with a grin. “That gives you one month to rethink naming him 'William' rather than 'Fitzwilliam.'”
“I do not need to contemplate the subject any further. There are enough 'Fitzwilliams' in this family. Annabella named her son Fitzwilliam and Anne can do the same if she wishes. That should appease tradition.”
“What about appeasing Lady Catherine? She will be devastated.”
“Perhaps it is time she learned to deal with disappointment, and do not pretend you are overly concerned for Lady Catherine's sensibilities, Mrs. Darcy. We have discussed it with serious reflection and I am satisfied with the names chosen. They are strong names all and pay tribute to those dearest to us as well as fulfilling tradition.” He competently transferred the limp baby from shoulder to nestle in the crook of his arm, Lizzy tucking the blanket over naked feet after a kiss to tiny toes.
Darcy resumed, “Reverend Bertram is thrilled, as you can imagine. I tried to convince him we are planning a simple ceremony, but I have a suspicion he anticipates the whole of Derbyshire to arrive.”
“And an angelic benediction for the heir to Pemberley?”
“Perhaps. He began talking about rearranging benches and clearing sections of the balcony.” Darcy laughed, shaking his head. “My caution was unheeded. At least the chapel will be sparkling clean for the occasion. He did ask who we had named as godparents.”
“You told him the Bingleys, obviously.”
“Yes. He was concerned that we had not decided on the third godparent.”
“We have time, love. I have a very strong suspicion the choice you wish for will soon be available. Be patient and trust.”
“Words of faith and conviction coming from my wife?”
“Your strong beliefs are rubbing off on me, Mr. Darcy.” She reached for a light kiss to his nose, Darcy chuckling.
“Mrs. Reynolds requested a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss a few Christmas issues. Nothing too intense, as I have expressed our wish to proceed as last year. The groundsmen are already amassing piles of holly and mistletoe, and although I do not know this for cert, I imagine the maids are fabricating new kissing balls to ensnare the unmarried footmen. With so much scheming I wonder how any of them complete any real work over the holiday season.”
“If my memory serves, the servants were not the only Pemberley inhabitants to profit from strategically located mistletoe. In fact, I clearly recollect you reaping the benefits, sir.” Darcy grinned in happy remembrance, meeting his wife's eyes with a lusty twinkle. “New topic… I talked to Georgiana regarding delivering the tenant gift packages this year. She stammered a bit, but was agreeable. Perhaps Mary and Kitty can accompany her for moral support! By the way, your shy sister asked me to request a favor of you.”
Darcy glanced over with raised brow. “She was too timid to speak with me personally?”
“Listen and you will understand. The invitation for the Cole's Masque arrived three days ago, as you are aware. Naturally we cannot attend, or at least I cannot.”
“I certainly will not be attending without you,” he declared firmly. “It is a pity. The image of you in my arms dancing the waltz is most appealing.”
Lizzy smiled and chuckled. “Listen to you, Mr. Darcy! Suddenly so desirous of dancing and socializing! Who is this man I am now married to?”
“The same selfish one from years past, who wishes to squire the most beautiful woman in all England on his arm, spreading envy amongst the unfortunate, and increasing his arrogance. However, we already know my faults. You were speaking of Georgiana.”
“Simply put, Georgiana expressed an interest in attending this year. While on tour with the Matlocks she danced at a handful of social engagements and enjoyed herself immensely; however, she knows how strict you are about the rules of officially 'coming out' and feared your censure.”
Darcy was frowning, lips pursed in thought. “I did not know of her dancing while in Wales. Did she fear sharing this with me?”
“Only in the sense that she did not desire to disappoint you or incur your anxiety over her well-being. She knows how worried you were over Lord Gruffudd and abhors causing you any pain. She yet harbors guilt over the Ramsgate affair, to the degree of hurting you and earning your disrespect.”
Darcy sighed deeply, speaking roughly, “I never blamed her for any of that and made my thoughts perfectly clear.”
“She knows this, dearest, but her love for you is so great as to yearn only to please you. Surely you understand how tremendously high her esteem for you? You are all she has had in her latter years to admire and emulate.”
“Until you.” His countenance softened. “Thank you, Elizabeth, for being a friend and sister to Georgie. What do you deem wise regarding her attending the Masque?”
“Well, assuming she can be properly chaperoned by either the Matlocks or Richard, and since it is a local affair, I do not think it untoward for her to attend. The invitation did include her name, after all. Of course, I do not claim to be fully versed in all the finer nuances of high society, but if Lord and Lady Matlock allowed her to dance at balls while touring, it should not be an issue here in Derbyshire.”
“I suppose I agree. An engagement or two over the winter will in no way effect her appearance at Court and formal admission to society at Almack's in the spring. Perhaps Miss Mary, Mr. Daniels, and Miss Kitty can attend as well. I can request Sir Cole include them on the guest list.”
Lizzy laughed. “Unless her personality has drastically changed with the advent of love and impending matrimony, Mary hates balls and would likely cringe at the idea. Kitty, of course, is another matter entirely. Should I inform Georgie of your agreement or will you?”
“I will talk to her. I judge it the appropriate time for us to have an earnest brother-sister chat. If you do not object to my absence for an afternoon, I think I will escort her to luncheon and shopping in Matlock. It has been a while since we spent quality hours together and I am sure she has merchandise requirements, for Christmas if nothing personal.”
“That is a brilliant plan! You should invite her for tomorrow since the roads have cleared and we have a spell of moderate weather. I can meet with Mrs. Reynolds. It is past time for Alexander and I to move beyond the top floor, is that not right, my darling?” She brought his miniature feet to her mouth for delectable nibbles, the deeply sleeping infant not even flinching. “Want to see the billiard room where you will be spending so much of your time, sweetheart? How about your papa's study? He sleeps like you, William, in a comatose state.”
“It is the satisfied sleep of one who is utterly loved, and well sated, although for variant reasons.” He kissed the top of her head. “Should we lay him down for now and join the others in the music room? Georgiana has a new song she wishes to perform for you.”
“Yes, I suppose. Oh! It is just so hard to leave him!”
“Mrs. Hanford says he will have more awake hours as he grows, but for now sleep is crucial for his health. I do not imagine he would sleep as deeply being passed around and with the pianoforte pounding in the background.”
Darcy rose, laying Alexander cautiously into the cradle to avoid waking, but the contented infant merely stretched, emitting a smattering of baby gurgles before resuming his pose of tranquil slumber. The blanket was smoothed and another added, both parents transfixed for another few minutes before Mrs. Hanford was notified and they departed.
Talking about Reverend Bertram's concerns over the third godparent was the impetus
Darcy needed to finally make a decision and take action as he should have done weeks ago.
The selection of an infant's godparents was a solemn task undertaken with the utmost seriousness. The responsibilities of the adults who willingly assumed this role were critical and never taken lightly. On down through the ages the Church-instituted custom of assigning mature persons, at least two of whom must be the same sex as the infant, was approached with deep forethought. A godparent's place in the child's life was a vital one. He or she was ascribed the honored task of ensuring that the innocent babe grew strong in the tenets of faith, assisting in the teaching of Christianity as essential to one's existence so that one day the aware youth would consciously declare his belief in Christ for full salvation. Logically, therefore, the godparent needed to be a man or woman of faith themselves and in close enough proximity to the youth during his formative years.
The godparent was not a legal guardian, that station ascribed for variant reasons, although they could be deemed so if all parties wished it. In Georgiana's case guardianship had been granted to the two men closest to her who were the most mature yet also youthful and financially stable. James Darcy had stipulated in his will that if his son could not fulfill the duties of Master of Pemberley and primary guardian for any reason, the estate would be managed by Col. Fitzwilliam until Georgiana married.
However, since financial and physical well-being was not an obligation of the godparent, the role was not dependent on wealth, blood, or station. Thus, Georgiana's godparents were her brother, Aunt Madeline, and Mrs. Reynolds.
Fitzwilliam James Alexander Darcy was baptized by Reverend Bertram in the Pemberley Chapel thirty years prior with his proud parents flanked by James Darcy Sr., Mr. Henry Vernor, and Anne's sister Lady Muriel Griffin.
Naturally not all families placed extreme importance on the selection of godparents. The amount of prudence undertaken was directly correlated to the depth of religious faith within the family. In the case of the Darcys, faith was a major facet in their day-to-day lives, so the decision was seriously contemplated. Lizzy may not have been as strongly adherent to religion as her husband, but she certainly understood the importance to him and the prerequisite of choosing wisely. For several weeks prior to Alexander's birth they had discussed the options. Although they had felt strongly that their firstborn would be male, they still had to consider the alternative. They gravely considered everyone they knew, but their hearts and sound deduction inevitably returned to two names that without any doubt they knew to be perfect—the Bingleys always the clear front runners.
The Darcys were content with the Bingleys as chosen godparents. It truly had been an obvious choice and despite the formality demanded, neither had suspected a refusal. The choice for the third godparent transpired with far more circumspection and surprise. Georgiana was the easily agreed upon godmother, if their child had been a female. It is not that several other female family members and friends would not be wise choices, but the relationship between Darcy and his sister was simply too devoted to seriously contemplate naming another.
But the question of whom to name as the second male godfather had been a topic of debate for months. The Darcys had considered everyone, and with the wealth of upstanding, devoted male friends Darcy possessed, the answer was challenging because the choices were so numerous! A man of lesser character and meager religious convictions would not have struggled so, but this does not describe Darcy, so he agonized over the proper course.
Oddly, and to the surprise of them both, George's name gradually entered the mix and with each passing week the desire grew stronger. Initially Darcy was frankly stunned that he would even consider the option. Yes, he knew by this time that his uncle was strong of faith and not the moral reprobate he had assumed, but his capriciousness did not really qualify him for the post of godfather. However, this too seemed to be waning as his “holiday” was taking on a decidedly permanent air. Darcy, as typical, studied the idea from every angle. He approached the concept clinically and with logic, yet his heart continued to interfere.
Therefore, in a bold move not conventionally like Darcy, he decided to confront his vacillating uncle. It was long past time for honest communication and blunt ultimatums. Therefore, a few days after Alexander's birth and while a weary wife and son were sleeping, Darcy sought out his uncle, who was, not shockingly, reclining in the library.
In Darcy's chair. With long legs stretched onto a cushioned ottoman.
“Perhaps I should write to Mr. Chippendale and request he make an identical chair.”
George glanced up at Darcy's grinning face. “Could you? This is by far the most comfortable chair I have ever sat in. Perfect for my frame.”
“Precisely why I ordered it made to my dimensions six years ago. I was tired of being cramped into uncomfortable creations of hard wood and sharp edges.” He sat in the opposite smaller albeit exquisite wing back Chippendale, folding his hands and closely examining the expression on George's face. “I am positive something could be arranged.”
George smiled with genuine delight, moving his feet to clear space on the ottoman. “Take a load off, my boy. There is plenty of room.”
“Thanks all the same, but I do not fancy assuming such a pose outside of the privacy of my chambers.”
George laughed aloud, nearly snorting, and shook his head. “Oh William! You are such a treasure!”
“How fortuitous that you think so, and you have offered the perfect segue into what I came to speak to you about.”
George lifted a brow. “Really! How serious you are, Mr. Darcy. Should I throw down a belt of whiskey to prepare myself?”
“If you believe it would bolster your fortitude, then by all means belt away. Just bring me one as well.”
George laughed, rising and crossing to the small sidebar to pour them each a glass of fine Irish scotch. “So what has you seeking me out when you could be with your beautiful wife and adorable baby?”
“A topic that greatly concerns them, as a matter of fact. Thank you.” He took a sip, waiting until George was settled before launching forth. With penetrating gaze fixed and tone sober, he began. “Uncle, you know that Elizabeth and I adore you. You and I have talked extensively about our kinship, so there is no need to reiterate our mutual accord. However, I think we have both shied away from verbalizing our feelings. My wife has encouraged me to tell you of the depth of my sentiments.” He grimaced slightly then shrugged. “Women are far more effusive in vocalizing their emotions, but in this instance I suppose she is correct.”
He crossed his legs and inhaled deeply, opening his mouth to commence, but was halted at George's chuckle.
“Let me spare you any emasculation, William. I love you and you love me. You have become the son I never had and I have to a degree arrogated the role James rightfully deserves. There, it is out in the open. Feel better now?”
Darcy smiled wryly. “Immeasurably. Elizabeth will be so pleased.” He sipped his drink before continuing. “Very well then. All that being clarified, we have an important request to make of you. A requisite preface is forthcoming, though, so be warned. Apparently I can be long-winded at times, as a dear friend recently pointed out.”
“I never have noticed,” George murmured with a perfectly straight face.
Darcy ignored him. “Uncle, you are welcome to dwell at Pemberley for as long as you choose, for the rest of your life if that is your desire. I do hope you know that.” George nodded, frowning slightly in confusion. “I have not asked your plans and we have tried not to sway you in any way as it is ultimately your decision. However, I need to tell you in the clearest words imaginable that the heartfelt wish of us all is that you would chose to reside here forever. Simply put, I do not want lose you. Forgive the cloying sentimentalism, but that is the truth.”
George was momentarily speechless, swallowing and inhaling deeply to calm the abrupt rush of emotions. He nodded finally, voice soft when he spoke, “Thank you, William. You have no idea how I apprec
iate that, and since we are being forthright then let me say something.” He leaned forward, bony elbows on his knees as he met Darcy's piercing gaze with an identical one. “I have purposely been evasive because… well, I guess I needed to hear you say what you just did. I have been gone for a very long time. When I left, my father was Master of Pemberley and I never questioned my reception if I chose to return. With James it was much the same, although I never considered the idea. I think I undertook this journey home with a latent desire to stay, but refused to acknowledge it because I had no clue what my greeting would be. So much had changed and the Pemberley that was my childhood home was no longer the ready refuge it had always been.”
“But it is,” Darcy declared firmly.
“Yes, I know that now.” He sighed, sitting back into the soothing shelter of the enormous chair and smiling fondly at his nephew. “I love India and know it will forever be a part of who I am. But I have missed England and Derbyshire. I have missed family, my family. Jharna's death brought that world to an end for me and made me realize fully how adrift I was. I need to be here, William. I want to be here, so with your blessing I will accept your offer.” He grinned, lightening the solemn mood as usual with a joke. “You can even banish me to the north wing or one of the servant's houses if I become annoying.”
Darcy's lips twitched, but he shook his head and held a steady stare, intoning gravely, “I am afraid I cannot allow that, Uncle. After all, my son needs to have his namesake and, if you are so willing, his godfather near at hand.”
George's mouth dropped open and eyes widened in amazement. Darcy laughed aloud, lifting his glass in salute. “To Alexander and his godfather. Lord help us all!”
Gradually Lizzy returned to her duties as her energy was restored, but always with Alexander either accompanying her or Mrs. Hanford aware of her location. Since she primarily worked from her desk in Darcy's study or their sitting room, she was easy to find. The Indian silks gifted by Dr. Darcy were perfectly utilized as slings to hold Alexander against his mother's chest while he slept, enabling Lizzy to carry him easily and have her hands free. She looked ridiculous, and would never appear in public so adorned, but for meandering about the manor it was ideal.
My Dearest Mr. Darcy: An Amazing Journey into Love Everlasting tds-3 Page 40
