by Wells, Linda
“Yes, Elizabeth.”
“There is nothing to be done, Georgiana. And I realize that you are a different person than you were then, and I do not want to make you feel worse than you probably do already.” Elizabeth turned around and put her hand on Georgiana’s shoulder. “I cannot begin to imagine how you felt then. Perhaps by that time you thought you were married and would never come home to Pemberley, and that you needed to please Mr. Wickham. Or maybe you really did think that you loved him, or maybe you were feeling ill with the beginning of your pregnancy, I do not know. But, I want you to understand that as hard as Fitzwilliam will try to make you happy and see you safe for the rest of your life, there is a part of his heart that will never ever heal, and it is things like what you did with the ring that make him hurt. I do not like seeing him hurt.”
“Neither do I.”
“So what will you do about it?”
“My best, I will do my best to make him proud again.”
“Do you know how to make that happen?” Elizabeth opened the dressing room door wide and waved her hand. “Listen.”
As Georgiana wiped her eyes, from the open door to the sitting room they could hear Darcy’s low rumble of a laugh. “Do not give him any reason to become silent again.”
“I promise, Elizabeth. I do, I am not the same girl who gave up that ring. I am not.”
“I hope not.” She hugged her and let go. “So that means that when Fitzwilliam and I wish to be alone, or go to enjoy the estate together, you will not be jealous, and will not make us feel that you are abandoned?”
“No.” Georgiana shook her head and smiled a little. “I saw you kissing on the wall. When you did not move as the carriage drove past; Richard laughed and said that Fitzwilliam was making a point.”
“Did he?” Elizabeth smiled and crossed her arms. “He was drawing a line in the sand.”
“Samuel’s mouth dropped to his chest when he saw you.”
“Poor man. His eyes were burning.” She looked up when they heard Darcy’s boots crossing the floor. “Will, when we were kissing yesterday and we did not separate when the carriage came; did you remain that way on purpose?”
Momentarily stunned, a slow smile crept across his face, “Well, yes, I was enjoying myself, and I do not recall you pushing me away.”
“Richard said that you were making a point.”
Darcy looked at his sister. “Did I succeed?”
“With whom?” Elizabeth asked as he took her waist.
“With Georgiana. Did I make my point?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent!” He nodded and looked at Elizabeth, “Dearest you look like you are ready to go dancing with all of your jewels on. What is on our agenda today?”
“I received a note that your watch was repaired.”
“Did you?” He laughed, “This is an outstanding day! Shall we drive?”
“I thought that I might try …”
“In my brand new curricle? I think not.”
“A gig, maybe?”
“But I have my new curricle!”
“He is whining, do you hear that?” Elizabeth laughed.
“If we take my curricle, we can have a picnic on the way home.” He raised his brows. “In the meadow near the cider press?”
“Why would you want to picnic there?” Georgiana asked.
“It is none of your business.” Elizabeth and Darcy said at once. Both blushed and Darcy cleared his throat. “You should be lying down, should you not, dear?” Without waiting for an answer, he took Elizabeth’s hand and started out the door. “Of course you should.”
Chapter 25
“Good morning, ladies.” Darcy entered the breakfast room and took his seat.
“I was wondering when, or if, you would appear. The day is half over. Any longer and we would be late readying for dinner. Mrs. Johns was fretting for hours over you.” Elizabeth picked up the coffee pot and poured him a cup.
“Mrs. Johns was.” Darcy spoke softly and then raising his voice, he placed his napkin on his lap. “Barnes was full of news and worries. I should not have confidently waved off the refreshments you had sent in.” He watched her add some milk to his cup and stir. “I can do that, love.”
“I know.” She tapped the spoon and picking up the cup and saucer, handed it to him. “One day I will stop doing it, and you will wonder if the love has left our marriage.”
“That will be my signal, then. It will not be a cold shoulder or sharp tongue.” He chuckled and taking a sip, set it down. “Hopefully I will spot trouble before it filters down to my morning beverage.” Feeling a little kick under the table he met her eye. “And how shall I tell you that I am displeased?”
“Oh, that will never happen.” She smiled as his boot found her toe.
Georgiana watched them curiously. “Will you still go out today?”
Sighing, Darcy glanced out of the open doors at the beautiful day. “I expect that we should stay close to home since we are attending dinner with the Monroes. That is unfortunate; Barnes told me that the south meadow is suddenly in full bloom and is a sea of yellow. It would be nice to see it before the sheep mow it down. It would not be difficult if we rode, but it would take a whole day if we walk.”
“Oh, then we must ride, you have not been home to appreciate it for years, and you know that I would enjoy it so much. Can he hold the flock back another day or so? Perhaps he could move the beehives there to make use of the blooms in the meantime? Then we could go tomorrow if your business is addressed.”
“I have already asked him to keep the sheep off, and I worked today so that we would have tomorrow free. The Gardiners are to visit their friends in Lambton for a few days before joining us, are they not?” Smiling, he watched her nod and look thoughtfully out of the window. “What happened to the girl who was so hesitant to ride?”
“Was I hesitant? I thought that I simply expressed my preference to walk.”
He cleared his throat and smiled, “And now?”
“I suppose that it will always depend upon my companion and the purpose of our excursion.” Elizabeth reached for a platter and started serving him. Darcy sat back and crossed his arms. “Hush.”
“Did I say a word?”
“You were thinking it. How many times have you served me? Just because you are in that chair …”
“I ask again, did I say a word?” Elizabeth set the plate before him and looked pointedly at his fork. He smiled and started to eat. “Yes, dear.”
“When may I ride again?” Georgiana asked. “It has been a month.”
“Well …” Darcy looked helplessly at Elizabeth.
“I suppose that if you feel well enough, you may begin. You and I can go out a little and see how well you do when Fitzwilliam is busy with Mr. Barnes again.”
“Pardon?” He stared.
She looked at him, “Is that a problem? You certainly do not mind us riding?”
“Not alone.”
“Well, Mrs. Annesley probably knows how and she will be here soon.”
“That is not what I meant.”
“We could ask Aunt Susan to join us …”
“Elizabeth.”
“What do you suggest we do when you are occupied?” She looked at him innocently.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Walk.”
Georgiana put her hand to her mouth and started giggling. Darcy and Elizabeth smiled at each other, and sitting back with her cup of tea, she watched him eat and remembered the envelopes piled on the table, “Oh, Fitzwilliam, there is a letter for you. Evans left the post with us rather than disturb you. I had one from Aunt Susan. She and Uncle expect to arrive home tomorrow.”
“We already know that from Samuel.” He nodded and continued eating.
“I wonder how the arrival of a baby in their household will be received by the neighbours?” Elizabeth smiled at Darcy.
“I daresay they will be curious, but given their history, the neighbours will likely see it as an indulgence by Uncle for A
unt, and perhaps a bit of tongue-clucking will ensue.”
“For taking a child in? That is ridiculous! Why, one of your tenants, Mr. Daugherty, lost his wife and her mother came to raise the children.” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. “And when I met that woman, she clearly has the spirit of a lady half her age! Indulgence indeed! It is a sign of their kindness!”
“Goodness, Elizabeth! You are so feisty today!” Darcy laughed. “I simply know the neighbourhood, and I suppose like any other, they enjoy a fresh bit of gossip, especially when it comes from the direction of the manor. You will have an opportunity to make up your mind tonight.”
“I think they should be happy that a child was not abandoned.” Elizabeth’s ire was still high. “I cannot forget that baby we found on the church steps.”
“The neighbours may wonder why they did not take a local child, if they decided to accept another into their home.” Georgiana said softly.
Both Darcy and Elizabeth focussed on her, and both were glad that she decided to contribute to this particular conversation. “I imagine that no matter what the situation, someone will think it is wonderful, and someone else will find something to grouse about. All that matters to us is that this baby is in a good, safe, home. And that you are in a good, safe, home.” He held her eyes until she nodded. “Now then, where is this letter you mentioned?”
Georgiana watched Elizabeth retrieve the envelope. “I think that it is from Mr. Bingley.”
“Splotches.” Elizabeth sighed as she handed it over.
“It seems a little better from his past letters.” Georgiana smiled.
Darcy wiped his mouth and opening the envelope, read and sighed. “It seems that our removal from Scotland somewhat changed their plans. Bingley thought he would stay with us at Sommerwald and use it as a base of sorts to show Jane Edinburgh and perhaps cross over to Ireland. He was even hoping to convince us to travel with them. A little presumptuous, I think, but then when Bingley gets an idea in his head, he sometimes acts faster than he should. At least he did nothing more than write a letter instead of packing up and arriving at Sommerwald to find us gone.” He set the letter on the table. “I wonder what prompted him?”
“I imagine it may have something to do with Jane.” Elizabeth picked up the page and reading it, shook her head. “I wish he had said something of this idea in his first letter, not that I want to be anywhere else but here …” She smiled when Darcy’s brow creased. “We can go some other year. I would love to see the places you travelled when you were becoming an independent man.”
Darcy took her hand and squeezed, “We shall, dear. Although, I suppose that I would prefer to see them with you alone.”
“Selfish.”
“With certain things, yes.” He smiled. “And if I am to be ill at sea, I would prefer that you were the soul witness.”
“I may be just as ill as you.” Elizabeth laughed, “But if we travelled together, you and Charles could go off and do manly things.”
“Manly things?” Darcy snorted, “We would not be fighting water-beasts, or whatever lurks in the lochs. Perhaps a spirited trout, though.”
“Oh, you can do that here. Which by the way, you promised to teach me to do.”
“You will teach Elizabeth to go fishing, Brother?” Georgiana stared.
“I will teach her most anything she is willing to try, but then again, your sister Elizabeth claims to know how to do anything I suggest already.” He winked and returned to his meal.
“Oh, Will. That was so long ago.”
“Were you just trying to impress me, love?” He held her eyes.
“Is he teasing you?” Georgiana looked at Elizabeth curiously. “What will he not teach you?”
“I do not know.” Considering her husband and his amused expression thoughtfully, she nodded, “But I look forward to finding out.”
“Of course you are, so that you may attempt to change my mind.” Darcy cleared his throat while she feigned shock. “So, in any case, the Bingleys will be spending the next weeks estate hunting.
“They can certainly come to Pemberley …”
“The hunting will be accomplished from London, apparently Miss Bingley’s unsuccessful Season makes Netherfield seem appealing.”
“I wonder what went wrong.”
“She was always so complimentary to me.” Georgiana offered. “It made me a little uncomfortable, though.”
“Why do you think she was so attentive, Georgiana?”
“I do not know, but she was the same with Fitzwilliam.” She looked at him and saw his eyes close. “Oh! She was trying to win your favour by complimenting me?”
“Very good.” Elizabeth smiled. “Very good.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you recognize someone who was trying to use you. That is very good, indeed.”
“Your eyes are wide open, dear.” Darcy nodded. “Nobody will fool you again.”
“OH, SHE IS SO FUSSY. I cannot understand why. Debbie fed her and she was changed when we arrived. I hate to call the poor girl in, she is eating now and that is so important.” Susan put down her fork and rubbed the baby’s belly.
“Could it be a touch of colic, Mrs. Darcy?” Mrs. Annesley suggested. “Shall I take her?”
“Finish your meal; I will take her for a walk. That always seemed to work for the children.” Harding stood and walked around the table to the basket holding Hope. “You and the servants have earned a few moments of peace.”
“Mr. Darcy, you should eat as well.” Susan looked at him worriedly.
“Pah, we will be at our destination in a few hours.” Bending, he lifted up the squirming, miserable baby. “I will eat then. If it makes you happy, save a slice of bread in your handkerchief for me.” He cuddled Hope into the crook of his arm with ease and smiled at his wife. “If you could see your face …”
“You have changed, Harding Darcy.” She marvelled.
“When we were young and our babies came, I was foolish and did not spend time like this. I listened to your mother.”
“Unfortunately, I did, too.” She adjusted Hope’s blanket. “This is the first time you have spoken of the children when they lived, instead of only speaking of Samuel.”
“Hope reminds me of little things that each one did. In some ways, she is bringing them back to life for me. I have spent so many years only thinking of their absence and their final moments, instead of remembering the joy they brought during their brief time with us.” His eyes were moist and he felt Susan squeeze his hand. Glancing at Mrs. Annesley, he cleared his throat, “Perhaps being a father at my advanced age is not such a terrible thing.” Hope squawked and screwed up her face to cry. “No, no, young lady. Come along now; let your mother have some peace.” He smiled at Susan and left the private dining area.
Spotting him from the tavern, Hope’s nurse jumped to her feet and hurried to his side. “Mr. Darcy, is anything wrong?”
“No, I am just taking Miss Hope for a walk. Finish your meal, we will be departing soon.”
“Yes, sir.” Debbie said a little doubtfully and watched his back as he continued on to the front door.
A man standing near the entrance looked at him with surprise, and then moved to open the door for him. “The wee one needs a breath of air?”
“That she does.” Harding nodded his thanks and stepped out into the street. As soon as they left the stuffy atmosphere of the tavern, Hope stopped her fussing. “Ah, there, it is as I suspected. You are a baby who likes her weather cool.” Hope looked at him with her wide blue eyes and visibly relaxed. “Well then, my dear, we will be sure to open a window for you on the rest of the ride. We are coming to Pemberley, and the air is always sweet there. Not like London. You are proving yourself to be a Darcy who loves Derbyshire. So am I. Perhaps I should give up the townhouse.” He said thoughtfully. Strolling around a corner and towards the small garden in the back of the inn, he heard a voice.
“Give her to me!” Harding stopped dead and felt his heart begin to
race. He clutched Hope to his chest, hiding her face.
“Give her over!” The man’s voice demanded. “Do you really think that I would let you keep her? You’re going to kill her! Just like you almost did with him!”
Wickham! Harding spun around.
“You can’t just take her away! You gave her to me!”
“I gave you a second chance, but it’s clear that I can’t trust you.” A stocky man with a weathered face standing in the street took a hold of a donkey’s bridle and pulled. “Look at her, she is skin and bones.” He gestured to another animal standing nearby. “You did the same thing with him, you never fed him. What good is a donkey that is too weak to do any work?” Disgusted, the man led the animals away and ignored the protesting of his companion.
Shaking, Harding sank down upon a wooden bench against the side of the inn. “Good Lord.” He breathed and stared around, looking for a particular face. Other than a few men waiting outside of the privy door, the garden was quiet. Passing his hand over his clammy forehead, he tried to ignore the pain in his side and the panic raging through his body. “Calm yourself.” He whispered urgently. “Calm yourself. It was not Wickham.”
Hope cooed. He looked down at her innocent face and took another long breath. “Good Lord.”
“WHAT DO YOU THNK?” Elizabeth held up the earrings and looked in the mirror. “I do not want to appear as if I am flaunting myself, but it is difficult to appear any other way with all of these beautiful jewels to choose from.”
“That is exactly what you should be doing, Mrs. Darcy.” Judy stood behind her, dressing her hair. “You are the mistress of the greatest estate for twenty miles or better. From what I have heard from the other servants, the neighbourhood has been very anxious to meet you at last.”
“I am surprised that more of them are not in London, there are still a few weeks left in the Season.”
“I imagine that they grow tired of it at some point, and after all, the Derby is over now.”
“How do you know so much of the Season?” Elizabeth laughed at her maid’s reflection.
“I did serve a few other ladies before you, madam. And Mr. Parker told me of the activities Mr. Darcy used to enjoy. Sometimes he was asked along to keep him company.” She concentrated on her work while Elizabeth studied the pinking of her cheeks.
