Not too surprising was the news Mr Gardiner relayed to his family of his sister’s death. Having turned to a life which was known for its many diseases and dangers, it was not a shock to the family when Fanny contracted one of the diseases. She was dreadfully sick for nearly a month, before her body gave up and she died, alone in her room at the brothel. It was only after the stench from the room grew that anyone realized she had died. Everyone had avoided Fanny’s rooms when she became ill, for she moaned and demanded so much from everyone, so the quiet was enjoyed by the other women of the brothel.
Lydia had vanished without a trace. No one knew where she went, as there were so many different tales of her. One person stated she had run off with a sailor, living on the ship on which he was crew. One version was she had stowed away on a ship bound for the Americas, wishing for a new start in the distant lands. There were more tales as well, but no one could be certain. And, to be honest, no one truly cared. Lydia had made her decision to be like her mother, and nothing that anyone did had changed her.
The Bingleys received word that Caroline Bingley had become pregnant, which did not shock the family in the least. It was an unspoken belief that Raymond would be kept busy by Miss Bingley. Caroline died in childbirth, along with the baby. Raymond was devastated, and he disappeared into the barren land during the middle of a snow storm. His body was found frozen near a pond, two months after he disappeared. Louisa remained at the estate, having little contact with anyone. She sat in a chair, staring out the window, rarely speaking to the servants. One night, several months after the death of her sister, Louisa died in her sleep. The servants claimed it was as if she decided to stop living.
Richard Fitzwilliam surprised everyone when he arrived at Matlock with his betrothed on his arm. Miss Emily Weston was the daughter of Richard’s commander, and the two had developed a close bound. It was not long before they decided to marry, and Richard resigned his commission. Richard was living at his estate, getting the house prepared for the day when he brought his bride home. They were planning to marry after the harvest, though Elizabeth was sad at the fact she would be in her confinement and unable to attend the wedding. Lady Matlock was thrilled, and she began the process of introducing her future daughter to society. Elizabeth laughed at the memory of her own first encounter with Lady Matlock and her desires to introduce Elizabeth to everyone in society.
Looking down, Elizabeth saw her devoted friend looking up at her, the love Sadie held for Elizabeth written in her eyes. “Sadie, you are quite fortunate in how little time you are with child. I do not like having to wait so long to hold my babe in my arms.”
Sadie gave her a pitiful look, as if sympathizing with Elizabeth. “There are my ladies, commiserating over the joys of motherhood.” Darcy said as he approached. “The portrait is nearly complete.”
“I am pleased, for I am becoming restless, having to sit still so long.” Elizabeth said as she took her husband’s hand and he helped her to her feet.
“Mr Lowe says he has a number of sketches to work from, so he will be able to work in the conservatory on the paintings. I looked over the sketches and am quite impressed with his work. I chose the sketch which I wish to have my copy painted from.”
“And why have you not posed with me for a portrait? I wish to see one of us hanging in the portrait hall.” Elizabeth said.
“You wish to see me have to sit still, which I have done several times over the years.” Darcy laughed, gently poking his wife’s nose. “We will one day have a portrait together, perhaps after our babe is born.”
“I have a feeling that our child will be much like me when it comes to sitting still. I must have bruises inside from all the kicking about.” Elizabeth rubbed her belly.
“Just like his mother, always moving.” Darcy placed a kiss on his wife’s lips.
“Oh, so now you think it is a boy? Last week you spoke of our having a daughter.” Darcy laughed. “Why not one of each? Besides, we will be having many more children, so sooner or later I will be correct.”
“Not if I have only boys or only girls.” “No, my dearest, we will have sons and daughters. I am certain of that. And I love watching your belly grow larger. You glow with the life growing inside you.”
“Are you going to talk to my belly every time I am carrying your child inside me?” Elizabeth teased. “Of course. It is not fair that you have this time of feeling the babe moving about inside you, and I have to wait until you give birth. So I am talking to our child, feeling their kicks through you.”
“I received a letter from Jane today. She says that Mr Hurst has been spending a good deal of time with Charlotte. It is believed he will ask to court her.” “Hurst deserves the love of a good woman, and now, he is free to do as he wishes. Mrs Collins is a good woman, kind and wise. He could do far worse than her.” Darcy said as he gained a faraway look.
Elizabeth knew what was bothering her husband. “When is Georgiana to return? Her letter was so filled with joy.”
Darcy shook his head. It was difficult to realize his little sister was a young lady now. A young lady who had fallen in love. “Do not remind me of her engagement. My aunt is thrilled, yet I do not wish to think of Georgiana being old enough to marry. She is still my baby sister.”
“You have been more of a father to her, but my dear, she is grown up and ready to start her own life. You had best hope we have only sons if you are going to have such a difficult time giving away your girls to worthy men.”
“Oh, I plan to build a convent on our estate, where the girls will have to live until they are at least thirty.” Darcy said. “Richard says that he plans to do the same if he is blessed with daughters. No men are to be allowed near them. If necessary, we will build motes around the convent.”
Elizabeth began laughing. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, you are a silly man. And I am grateful that you are my silly man.”
“And I am so grateful I was blessed to marry a royal Bennet.”
THE END ABOUT THE AUTHOR Melanie Schertz is a retired crime scene/crime lab technician. She is also the mother of one daughter by birth, two daughters and a son by heart, one canine son, four feline daughters, and grandmother to three grandkids by heart, grandpuppies, grandkitty, and grandsnake.
Besides writing, Melanie is a photographer, with most of the cover photos on her books being her original work. Also, Melanie is a jewelry maker.
Other books by Melanie Schertz are: A Stitch of Life, Governing His Heart, With Pen in Hand, A Pair of Dancing Brown Eyes, Storm Clouds of Love, The Wrong Arrangement, The Ashes of Longbourn, The Conservatory of Hope, Lost to the Ocean, Saving Elizabeth Bennet, Mrs Collins Against Her Wishes, Netherfield Park Quarantined, The Bridge to Pemberley School, If Only in His Dreams, Meet Me at Oakham Mount, and Darcy’s Beloved Cousin.
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