Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth

by Greer Boyd

  Georgiana could contain herself no longer, “Elizabeth, the D’Arcy family is the remnant of the ‘lost’ half of the Darcy family. The Darcys and the D’Arcys are the only living members of what was once one family.”

  Gabby elaborated, her face and those of her sisters and cousins full of emotion: “Lizzy, if you had not found us and then helped us to come to England, it is exceedingly doubtful that the two halves of our family would ever have met.”

  Piers D’Arcy then stepped forward as representative for his half of the family, “Elizabeth, there is much more to tell you, and I am sure that the ladies of both halves of the family will regale you with all of the happenings of last evening. I, however, have a very small token that we of the D’Arcy half of the family wish to give you. It is truly but a minute gesture of appreciation for all that you have knowingly done for us, and for all that you have unknowingly done.”

  As he reached into the pocket of his coat, he pulled forth a flat oblong box. “This is for you with our heartfelt thank you.”

  Elizabeth reluctantly accepted the gift and, as she opened the box, tears began to form in her eyes. “It is so beautiful,” she breathed as she gently extracted an exquisite elegantly made teardrop-shaped ruby necklace from the box. “Thank you,” was all that she could add.

  Darcy then stepped around to stand beside Piers, as he reached into the pocket of his coat and smiled brightly at her, “Elizabeth, this is a small token that the Darcy side of the family wish to give you, yet another gesture of appreciation for all that you have knowingly done for us and for all that you have unknowingly done.”

  With no idea of what else to do, she took the small box from Darcy’s hand. As she opened it, she found a pair of equally elegant drop earrings that perfectly matched in shape and the deep crimson hue of the gems within the necklace that she had been given. “Thank you,” she uttered again, her voice breaking, “but I still do not know what I have done to earn such beauty or such praise.”

  “Then, let us begin breakfast and we will tell you all,” answered Georgiana. Briskly, she encouraged everyone to take their seats and motioned for the footmen to begin to supply the breakfast sideboard.

  The meal was exceedingly animated with the retelling of the stories of each side of the family and of Mr. Grove’s revelation to both. Elizabeth was almost bubbling with happiness. Her friends would finally have financially security, plus a “family” home and estate as well.

  She and Jerome had worked hard to build a financially secure future together. Since Jerome’s death, she had continued diligently to build that future for her and her son as well as for her remaining family. She missed Longbourn terribly and hoped that one day she would be able to find a small estate to be the “family” home for her son.

  Once the last of the used dishes had been removed from the table, a footman entered the room and bent to whisper in Darcy’s ear.

  “Wonderful, thank you,” Darcy nodded his head. Then, standing to get the attention of those present, he looked at Elizabeth and concluded the breakfast by saying: “Everyone, I know that most of you have particular business to which you must attend. However, Nurse Lauren has informed me that the children wish to go to their riding lesson. If any of you would like to follow me to the stable, you may have a first look at their newly acquired steeds.”

  Again, Annabel almost squealed with delight as she turned to Darcy, “Cousin, do you mind if Nathan and I go ahead to the stable with the children and their nurse?”

  Looking first at his Aunt Eleanor, then at Aunt Lilly and seeing them both smiling, he replied, “That will be fine with me, if it is approved by your parents.”

  When both mothers nodded their heads in approval, Annabel ran over to Nathan. Hands clasped, they stood together, he bowed and she curtsied then both quickly turned to leave the room. Eagerly, Annabel pulled the young man along, “Nate, the ponies are so beautiful.”

  Simultaneously, the adults exchanged knowing glances. When both Richard and David exclaimed, “Oh Ho,” everyone burst into laughter.

  Aware that the walk would be too far for Elizabeth, Darcy tenderly picked her up to carry her to the area outside the stable where a small wooden bench had been placed specifically for her to sit upon.

  As Georgiana carefully moved to take her place so that she would be walking closely before them, Piers approached her. “Lady Georgiana,” he asked with a radiant smile, “might I escort you to the stable?”

  Taking his arm and looking affectionately into his face, she replied, “I would be honored, Your Grace, Lord D’Arcy.”

  With most of the breakfast party in attendance, Annabel and Nathan came from the ponies’ stall walking carefully beside Anne Elizabeth and Thomas, two small figures delighted and proud in their saddles, followed by a groomsman who watched the mounted pair closely.

  “Oh-h-h-hs” and “ah-h-h-hs” came from everyone. About the size of very large dogs, the ponies were perfectly proportioned to their riders. Their long flowing tails gleamed like liquid silver in the morning sun. The children giggled but did not lose their concentration or the control of their mounts.

  Darcy addressed everyone present, “I have never seen children master the essentials of riding so quickly.” Then, looking to Elizabeth, he smiled lovingly and asked, “Would you like to see your mare?”

  Elizabeth looked at him and merrily laughed, “Yes - - peez.”

  Darcy almost bent down to kiss her, but caught Georgiana’s eye and recalled his location and company before acting on his desire. “I will be only a moment,” he told her huskily.

  He walked into the stable while the children continued to ride around in the paddock with Annabel and Nathan striding patiently beside them, ever mindful of their charges. Moments later, he emerged leading the most beautiful dappled gray Arabian horse that Elizabeth had ever seen. Standing up too quickly to go to the mare, Elizabeth immediately grabbed her head, groaned aloud in pain, and swooned just as Piers caught her to keep her from falling to the ground.

  “Elizabeth,” yelled Darcy as he hastily tossed the reins of the mare to one of the groomsmen standing nearby and ran to her side, arriving just as Piers managed to reseat her on the bench.

  “I am well, my heart, I am well. I simply moved with much too much haste,” explained Elizabeth. “Could you have the mare brought to me while I remain seated?”

  Darcy motioned to the young man holding the reins of the mare, and she watched the smooth, fluid movements of the animal as it was led to her. “William, she is absolutely beautiful,” she exclaimed. “Does she have a name?”

  “Well, she does, but it is more like a recitation of her lineage,” he chuckled. “Certainly, you may call her whatever you wish.”

  “Then she shall be Portia,” decided Elizabeth, as she continued to rub the horse’s head and then kissed her on the muzzle. “What are the names of the ponies?”

  “Oberon and Titania,” he replied, unable to stifle a chuckle.

  Elizabeth started laughing along with him, “The King and Queen of the Fairies, how appropriate.”

  David Fitzwilliam walked from the stable leading a beautiful light chestnut mare toward Mary, who abruptly looked toward Darcy and asked, “William is this beautiful creature truly to be mine?”

  “Indeed it is, ‘near sister’ Mary,” he answered looking from where Elizabeth sat at his side to where Mary stood gently rubbing her hand over the horse’s neck, “and what will you name your steed?”

  “Oh, I am not nearly so good with names as Elizabeth,” she admitted unashamedly. “I will have to think a while for the name.”

  David walked around the horse until he stood beside Mary and rubbed its neck with his hand near to hers, “Perhaps I may offer several selections for your consideration?”

  “I would like that very much,” Mary replied, and the dimple in her left cheek winked as she fastened her eyes away on his.

  ∞∞∞

  The riding clothes for the children, Mary, and Charlott
e arrived at Darcy House the morning of the next day, along with Gabby and Bella. Annabel and Georgiana immediately took the attire up to the nursery. “Nurse Lauren, Nurse Harriett,” they called out, “the children’s riding clothes have arrived.”

  When the nurses saw the clothing, they could barely suppress their giggles. “Oh Miss Georgiana,” they asked, “may we dress them now?”

  “Please,” answered Georgiana, every bit as amused as they, “That is the reason we came up so promptly. Once they are dressed, please bring them to the small sitting room.”

  After little more than a quarter hour, the nurses had the children ready. As they entered the sitting room hand in hand, Elizabeth could not begin to suppress the wide smile that covered her face.

  “Come here you two,” she called out, as she held out her arms to them.

  “Mama,” they squealed and ran to her.

  On his way to his study, Darcy heard the children and entered the room saying in a mock gruff voice, “What is going on in here?”

  “Papa,” answered the children in unison as they scurried to hug his legs.

  “Anne Elizabeth, Master Thomas. Look at you in your new riding clothes,” he said as he knelt before them. With Anne Elizabeth’s hair piled upon her head in almost an adult fashion, and Thomas lifting his chin in what he clearly thought was a manner becoming a gentleman, they looked exactly like miniature adults. With no trouble at all, Darcy could envision the striking sight they would be on their ponies.

  “Pretty,” chirped Anne Elizabeth as she ran her hand down the front of her jacket and then over Thomas’ jacket as well. The riding attire had been made not only to match the colouring of the children, which was remarkably similar, but so that the two outfits were coordinated.

  “Pretty indeed,” he laughed as he looked at Gabby. “Madame Claudine, you and your sisters have truly outdone yourselves.”

  “Gabby and Bella, please, cousin,” gently remonstrated Gabby, as she smoothed down the skirt of her dress and then folded the delicate lace-trimmed linen square she held in her hand, “and thank you. We had the absolute best time making the clothes. We looked at them as oversized ‘dollies’ clothing. I have to admit they do look positively divine.”

  “Well, I think that we should have the children try the fit while on their ponies. Do you agree, Elizabeth?” asked Darcy.

  “I do indeed, my heart. Would you mind being my transportation to the stable?” asked Elizabeth, her face a study of raw affection.

  “It would be my honor,” bowed Darcy, as he again performed the service of transport and gently hoisted her into his arms. “Children, please lead the way with your nurse, and ladies please follow us to the stable.”

  Georgiana had Annabel run ahead to request that the groomsman saddle the ponies and bring them into the small paddock when they were ready, as she herself quickly stepped in front of Darcy and Elizabeth.

  Darcy seated Elizabeth on the same bench that she had used previously, and stood behind her while the rest of the party had assembled around the small paddock. They were quietly conversing when the young man came from the stable with the ponies. When he saw the children in their riding attire, his face broke into a wide grin.

  Once they had mounted, stunning was the only word to describe how they looked.

  Anticipating what would no doubt be an event to remember, Annabel put her hand on Darcy’s forearm, “Cousin, could I be among the riding party when you first ride in Hyde Park?”

  “Annabel. When Mrs. Mills is able to ride, we will assemble a large riding party and take Rotten Row en mass.”

  At the end of another six days, Elizabeth was finally released from the care of the doctor. She was no longer experiencing headaches or nausea, although she did become slightly lightheaded, if she stood up too quickly. The doctor assured her that too would diminish with time.

  With Elizabeth’s health back to normal, Aunt Eleanor, Annabel, and Aunt Lilly decamped and returned to their respective homes. Since Jane would still be in residence for another two or three weeks, Georgiana had to use little persuasion to have Elizabeth and Mary remain at Darcy House with their sister.

  Since they were currently comfortably situated where they were, Darcy saw little use in having Anne and Charlotte open Park House, so they also remained at Darcy House with Elizabeth.

  A few days later, the entire group that had gathered for breakfast after Georgiana’s presentation was again assembled for lunch. Mrs. Wyatt had a large selection of cold meats, breads, fruits, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee brought into the larger dining room. Later that same afternoon, the Darcy and D’Arcy clans were to appear before the king for the formal presentation of their titles. Every one of the D’Arcys was very nervous. Georgiana was a little less so, only because she had gone through her presentation nearly two weeks earlier. Gabby and her sisters had brought the remaining riding clothes for the ladies, and they all had been admiring the clothing when Darcy looked at his pocket watch and announced quite calmly, “It is time.”

  Looking from one to another, they took a collective deep breath, exhaled, and headed for the carriages Darcy had provided. Piers had not begun to make purchases with his newly found fortune, so Darcy generously invited him to make use of anything that might be useful to him. Piers had steadfastly held to the notion that he preferred to have all the “formalities” out of the way before he retired to Caenvista Estate with Darcy to review the needs of the estate. Only after that, would he be comfortable making any major purchases. He also knew that Darcy would not leave London for Pemberley until Elizabeth was able to travel with him and that would not be until after Jane was recovered.

  Elizabeth, Mary, Mr. Bingley, and the Gardiners were invited into the presentation chamber as guests of Uncle James and Aunt Eleanor (Lord and Lady Matlock) along with Lady Anne and Charlotte. There was such a crush of people that there was barely room to stand. It seemed as if the whole of London’s peerage was present.

  As with Georgiana’s presentation, the bestowment of titles for Darcy, Georgiana, Piers, and the D’Arcy ladies took only minutes. When the entire group moved to the antechamber, Elizabeth fought back a bit of jealousy as she saw seemingly every single female in the peerage all but fight to be introduced to Darcy and Piers. What’s more, almost the same thing occurred for Georgiana and the D’Arcy sisters and cousins, as a multitude of men both old and young swarmed around them.

  Aunt Eleanor, having anticipated this, while hoping at the same time that it would not happen, had enlisted a multitude of her very close friends to help separate the Darcy and D’Arcy clan from the throng, and bring them safely to where she and Uncle James could help get them to their carriages and quickly back to Darcy House.

  Darcy hated the ways of the “ton” and having to deal with the crush of people was unnerving. “Thank you, Aunt,” he thought to himself, as he watched the friends of his aunt and uncle carefully deflecting the clingers and hangers-on.

  Once back at Darcy House, Aunt Eleanor immediately took charge of the shaken family.

  “I had been afraid that there might be a scene in the antechamber after the bestowment, but I never expected such a spectacle,” she announced as she strode confidentially into the sitting room where the family had gathered. “Darcy, you have had to deal with this your whole life. Georgiana you too are well aware of fortune hunters. Piers, I am afraid that you, your sisters, and your cousins are going to have to learn quickly. Women will try to compromise you into an unwanted marriage just as unscrupulous men, young and old, will try to compromise your sisters and cousins in the hope of procuring their dowries for their own use.”

  “What . . . what do we do?” asked Piers as he sank heavily into a chair near Darcy.

  “Do not worry. We will protect you until you have gained the skills and knowledge to face the ‘ton,’” Aunt Eleanor said succinctly. Looking from Darcy to Richard and thence to David and back again, she smiled brightly as she announced, “I think that we need to make a strong sh
ow of force.”

  “Mother,” inquired Richard as he advanced across the room to her side, “what do you have in mind?”

  “A strong UNITED show of force,” she elaborated, placing her hands upon her hips. “Piers, do you and the D’Arcy women ride?”

  “That we do.” Then, with a meaningful glance at Georgiana, he continued with more than a little pride. “During the war, not knowing when we all might have to flee, we became quite expert.”

  “Darcy, I truly hope that you do not mind, but you will have house guests until you are ready to depart for Pemberley,” Aunt Eleanor said, more a statement than a question.

  “I will have Mrs. Wyatt prepare the rooms immediately,” Darcy responded, understanding that maintaining and showing that they collectively were a family unit was only a part of what his aunt intended to do. Providing for their safety was another.