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When Georgiana heard the news, she wrote back immediately that she would be home when her studies were concluded at the end of November so that she could help Elizabeth make ready the nursery and aid Jane in her final months. Elizabeth was very pleased that Georgiana was to be at Pemberley soon, and related the news to Darcy as they walked to the stables.
She was happiest now with short rides atop Sampson who was ever gentle in his gait somehow knowing not to jostle her. The grooms even had a small ladder set by the stable and aided her to mount and alight when she ventured out alone when Darcy's estate business prevented his accompanying her. It seems all the servants went out of their way to make her happy. And she appreciated all their efforts, and showed them her thankfulness.
Knowing and trusting the disposition of Sampson, Darcy allowed her this enjoyment for a while longer without voicing his concerns, but knew he would have to put a stop to it as she progressed. For now though he allowed her this pleasure, especially when he rode by her side on Simian during their weekly trip to each of the tenant huts to get updates on their current crop predictions and talk to them of any suggestions or news of their families that he was unaware. He took meticulous care of all those around him; he was indeed the best master and landlord.
As they started down the lane in a gentle walking gait, she told him of Georgiana's missive. "I am overjoyed that she will be here for you, Elizabeth," he answered happily. "Sometimes when I leave you alone in the house, I worry that something might befall you, and that the servants would not hear."
"William, you must not know just how many servants you employee at Pemberley," she teased. "I dare say I can not sneeze without someone within ear shot voicing their blessing. Your staff is very attentive to me."
"I am glad of it," he replied teasing, "Mrs. Reynolds would not have it any other way."
"So, William, you must not worry so much. I am well cared for." She offered him her hand as they rode abreast.
"It does allay my fears somewhat to know of their mindful care of you. I shall try to remain calm, Lizzy." He took her gloved hand and kissed it, smiling at his lovely wife, her eyes sparkling in the morning sun, but when he looked down the lane his smile faded.
Darcy and Elizabeth's habit of early morning walks were also a blessing as she began to gain just a bit of weight, for it was still wonderful to be out in the colorful leaves and crisp breeze. He held her arm as they walked their usual path for this ritual, stopping at one of the many benches around the grounds to rest a few times when she needed to catch her breath. Both sat with eyes closed as the sun warmed their faces, happy in the joy of their first child.
Smiling, he turned his eyes upon her and watched her in repose as he did many times at night, noting the radiance about her, the proof that the first of their family of children was on the way.
"Have you a preference?" He asked, wondering of her thoughts. He saw her smile, eyes still closed as she re-lived her dreams. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again and shook her head. His finger gently caressed her face, and she opened her eyes and smile at him. "What have you to say?"
"I...never envisioned any...single child, William. My dreams have always had Pemberley filled with the laughter of ...several...of both genders...and I have truthfully not thought of a preference until now. I would wish to give you a son to be your heir...but a daughter-"
"A daughter to be the image of her mother would be fine too," he completed her sentence, smiling at her.
She smiled at the man who was her life and as her finger caressed his lips said, "Then that is what we shall have."
"A daughter? You wish that we would have a daughter?" He asked as his lips gently touched hers.
"Or a son," she whispered as he kissed her again.
"That sounds reasonable," he whispered back continuing their enjoyable activity for a bit longer.
When they decided at last to continue, he rose and then took her hands to help her stand, and walked onward, and she couldn't resist gently caressing the little life, the baby they had always hoped for to begin their family. She smiled.
The months flew by through autumn and now into winter for Elizabeth, busy with the new school and happy that it was going according to plan as well as her own progress. But as the winter had just begun Darcy began to talk of moving them into their London townhouse where she may be closer to the hospital and the newest doctors who specialized in the birthing process.
But Dr. Charles White* upon his latest visit to Pemberley assured them that everything was fine, and for Mr. Darcy not to worry, that the midwife in the area was very capable. When Darcy began to object, the doctor related that Mrs. Knolls knew her limits, and would have him sent for if anything went awry. Darcy had to be satisfied with this information for the time being, and rescinded his request to travel to London for the birth because both Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds insisted that she would much better here at Pemberley where Elizabeth could get plenty of fresh air, and exercise.
*Dr. Charles White was a physician living around the 1820's who, in contrast his contemporaries' belief that childbirth should be a quick process without the mother's input, believed in many aspects that midwives espoused such as fresh air, fresh foods, exercise, and aiding but not taking over the birthing process, meaning let the mother proceed without much interference unless needed.
"It is good to see you again, son, and at such a happier time."
"Thank you for joining us, Uncle," Darcy replied.
"I am so happy for you, my dear," whispered her aunt as she hugged Darcy.
The earl, smiling embraced Elizabeth in such a warm hug so like her husband's. "You look radiant, Elizabeth. And you are well. I see that."
"Yes, I am perfectly well, Uncle," replied Elizabeth smiling as they all turned to go up the steps. "Let us get you out of this cold air. I asked Georgiana to ring for tea for you. She has enjoyed her visits with you of late."
"I am glad of it. She is becoming quite a lady now."
When they came into the house the earl and his wife hugged Georgiana in greeting before sitting on the couches in the drawing room's cozy warmth from the fire, drinking tea to take the chill away. Aunt Matlock smiled and handed Elizabeth a parcel.
"What have you brought?"
"Your child's first gifts by my hand."
Elizabeth smiled, and acknowledged, "William wrote telling you our good news as soon as we knew."
"He did not!" the earl accused, looking at Darcy with a disapproving expression. Softening, he added, "He has kept his own counsel about this until quite recently perhaps because he knew once we arrived, you could not walk about and not display your condition."
Darcy began to relate that he had sent word to them about Elizabeth, but she was already replying to the earl's statement.
"That is true," admitted Elizabeth smiling and adding, "just last week when shopping in Lambton, the shop owner smiled happily at me and wished me well."
She opened the parcel of embroidered baby clothes, and Georgiana oohed replying, "Oh, Aunt, these are lovely."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. Then a thought came to mind, and she asked, "But you must have been working on these for a long while. If you did not receive word from William, then how then did you know?"
The earl and his wife exchanged looks and then both smiled. "In truth we did not know. We merely hoped it to be so." When Darcy and Elizabeth both smiled waiting for a further explanation, the earl added, "After we left in spring, we saw how much improved you were, Elizabeth, and knew before long you would make another attempt."
"I have been working all summer on these clothes just waiting for some word from either of you to let us know some happy news," Lady Matlock said looking from one to the other in an accusatory way.
"I did send word, just as soon as we found out, and addressed the post to your townhouse," Darcy explained.
"Ah, then the reason we had no news is because we left shortly at the end of July, after the Gardiners had come for Georgiana, and we removed to Matlock manor tending to business there. I wonder why that piece of mail was not sent out to the manor? It must have been lost or misplaced by mistake. I forgive you, son."
"I must admit, aunt, this summer has been so busy with trying to ready the tenant school for the autumn opening that we had already begun before we discovered the fact," confessed Elizabeth.
"I find that incredible, William. You seemed at least in the past to have been more gifted with the ability to know these things well ahead of time," the earl replied, adding, "It was you I recall who told Sophie that she was to have Rachel. You could not have been more than what nine or ten?"
"I believe that was so, Uncle," answered Darcy smiling, remembering the first time he had seen such an aura.
"Indeed?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "You do seem to have a talent for this then, William."
"But, uncle," responded Darcy. "You and Aunt Sophie must have also acquired this talent. Did you not write to me of Jane's condition when she left her in spring?"
"I merely felt it was not long to be so...due to their altered behavior after our...discussion in the study," admitted the earl. He cleared his throat.
He looked at his wife who added, "And I noticed her radiance, but merely hoped for a favorable outcome."
"Then it was I alone who truly knew of her condition when I noticed the aura around her person as I hugged her good-bye," Darcy confessed smiling.
Elizabeth looked at them all with wide-eyed surprise. "You all suspected Jane was with child at her departure from Pemberley at the end of May?"
They all nodded independently. "William, why did you not tell me? I would have been very happy for her."
"Because she herself was unaware of her condition, and I wished that both she and Charles discover it on their own, and then write us of it. It was also very early, and I did not wish to relate my suspicions only to have it be lost to them as our first was." He did not add that he wished to spare Elizabeth more anguish at not being with child when her sister was, but that message was conveyed on his face as he gazed at her.
"You are very wise, my husband," Elizabeth said smiling at him offering him her hand.
"I apply myself to that end, my wife," he responded taking her hand and kissing it.
Lord and Lady Matlock smiled at the couple, so happy now that these two had a child on the way at last.
The next few days at Pemberley were a joyous occasion marred only by the fact that Charles simply refused to allow Jane from their house even to travel the few miles to see Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was far enough along in her own condition that Darcy began to worry about her traveling in the winter weather. But she had yet to gain much weight and felt quite eager when Bingley invited them to join them at the Smithson estate to share the remainder of their Christmas.
Lord and Lady Matlock and Georgiana were agreeable to this venture and so they all traveled by two carriages the short distance to arrive in good time on Christmas Eve. Charles greeted them at the door, ushering them into the foyer before bestowing hugs and kisses all around.
Entering the drawing room where Jane was seated comfortably on the sofa near the roaring fire, Elizabeth immediately went to her, and kissing her cheek whispered, "Happy Christmas, Jane."
"And to you too, Lizzy. You look well," she added smiling at her Elizabeth's radiant face, happy that she also was now in the same condition.
"You look wonderful, Jane."
"I feel wonderful," Jane agreed. "Charles has taken such care of me, and the midwife, Mrs. Knolls, is said to be the best in the area."
"Yes, I have met her. Dr. White recommends her highly."
Jane then greeted both Georgiana and Lady Matlock who told her how radiant she looked.
"You are both very kind. Lily, the maid Mrs. Bailey acquired for me takes her time with my hair that I may always look my best each day," replied Jane, a blush growing on her cheeks. "She is such a blessing. Indeed, all the servants are so kind to us. I know not how we could manage without them."
"I am sure the way you treat them in return has something to do with it, dear niece," answered Lady Matlock smiling.
Supper was announced just then, and Bingley asked, "Well, if you are all ready, then perhaps we can proceed to the dining room?"
"That would be lovely, Charles," responded Jane as she started to rise from the chair. Bingley was at her side instantly to help. "Thank you, Charles."
Lady Matlock exchanged a smile with Georgiana at his meticulous care of Jane as they all entered the next room all decorated with flowers and evergreen and holly branches.
After a delightful dinner filled with lively conversation, the entire party retired to the music room which was very comfortable for all the family as Lady Matlock gave Jane the baby gifts she had been working on since the autumn. Jane, of course, simply adored all the embroidered primroses and forget-me-nots that were sewn into each of the outfits. "You have given me such a special gift. Thank you so much, Aunt. Look at these Charles."
Bingley noticed the variety of the sweet flowers sewn into the baby clothing, and remarked, "I truly am partial to this particular flower. Your stitching of it is quite delicate, almost an equal to that of Jane's."
"Charles, that is not a kind thing to say of a gift so lovingly given," began Jane.
"I beg your pardon. I thought to be giving a compliment," Bingley blushed realizing how his phrasing could be construed.
Lady Matlock smiled saying, "I am not ill at ease at his most gracious comparison, Jane dear. He is quite correct. There is no one to compare with your stitching of those flowers, as they are quite exquisite."
"Thank you, Aunt, and I truly admire your primroses that bring such lovely colors to all these items that I will cherish as we use them," remarked Jane touching the little flowers on the gown she held.
"Shall we have some music?" Asked Darcy, looking hopefully to his sister. "Georgiana, would you kindly grace us with one of the pieces you have been working on of late?"
She smiled, knowing that all her family would be supportive of her endeavors, and without shyness, she made her way to the grand piano in the corner of the room. "Of course, William. I would be delighted to oblige." And she began to play 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' while they all listened in rapt attentiveness to her rendition of Bach's work.
Then there was an imperceptible exchange between she and Elizabeth followed by Georgiana's smile as she stated, "I now require assistance for the next few songs." When no one rose to aid her, she adding, "I require all present to come around the piano that you may participate."
Elizabeth was the first up, pulling Darcy with her. Lord and Lady Matlock rose to join them around the piano. Finally Charles left Jane's side to stand beside Darcy and Lord Matlock. With Jane as an audience, the girls began to sing carols as Elizabeth turned the music for Georgiana. Soon there was a consensus to sing along when the men joined them, lending the rich baritone by Darcy and the higher tenor part of Charles. Finally Lord Matlock surprised them all when his bass voice adding to Lady Matlock's alto strains rounded out the mix.
'Adeste Fideles', 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Good Christian Men Rejoice', 'What Star is This with Beams So Bright', 'Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella', 'The First Noel', 'O Holy Night', 'Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning', 'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks' and 'Silent Night'* never sounded so full without being at a church service, that even the servants who heard the joyous music of the season filtered in from their duties to listen and enjoy.
Many such evening were filled with the like in addition to reading aloud, chess rematches, and even dancing so that when the time came to leave the visitors went off with fond memories of that Christmas time at the Smithson estate with the new master and mistress. On Christmas day Charles attended church services with the family, and all who knew of his good news congratulated him, and wished the young couple well. He returned home to Jane with all the neighbors' good wishes.
The Matlocks stayed until a week after Christmas day, but decided to go a few days sooner than expected because of the darkening sky that seemed to predict additional snow which would make the roads impassable. They wished to be out of to continue to London to visit with their oldest son and his family. They offered to take Georgiana, Elizabeth and Darcy with them to town. But the young couple wished for nothing more than sitting by the comfortable fire, under a rug, and to be of help to Jane if need be, and declined the kindly meant offer. Before long Elizabeth and Darcy found themselves once again with the only family being Georgiana, just they three, which was fine with them.
*I tried to pick songs that were in existence during this time, so I had to exclude many favorites. My source was the Book of Worship for United States Forces; the hymnal gifted me when we left Writ-Patterson Air Force Base after being stationed there. I also looked up the authors on the Internet where you could listen to the songs.
Jane's baby was due in a month, and as time moved slowly forward Bingley grew more anxious with each tiny sigh or groan from Jane. She was very patient with him, much more so than his servants and housekeeper. Mrs. Bailey finally took Elizabeth aside with the request that she or Mr. Darcy take Mr. Bingley somewhere out of the house on some errand just to give Jane a chance for peace. Elizabeth smiled asking what could be used as an excuse.
"The livery in Lambton has the means of repairing the carriage wheel if Mr. Bingley were to wait for it?" offered Mrs. Bailey.
Elizabeth looked doubtful that of that being a sufficient excuse.
"Or you could ask him to accompany you for some shopping errand into Lambton for Mistress Jane?" Mrs. Bailey ventured hopefully.
Elizabeth nodded thinking that would seem more plausible, and so she and Mrs. Bailey planned the outing for that afternoon. She and Bingley were to stay away for some hours while Darcy was reading in the study. A perfect plan they thought, but when Elizabeth and Bingley returned from Lambton, Mrs. Bailey was quite put out with frustration.
It seemed that Bingley had pleaded with Darcy to take over caring for Jane, which he was more that happy to do since Bingley was with Elizabeth. Darcy was so good asking Jane if she needed anything every five minutes that she didn't get a moment's peace. Elizabeth just shook her head and patted Mrs. Bailey's arm, sighing she realized what she had in store for her in a few more months.
Within the next few weeks Jane went into labor and a note was sent to Pemberley for Elizabeth to come. Darcy insisted that he accompany her, and that Georgiana stay home for now with the promise that he would come fetch her after the birth. Elizabeth tried to allay Darcy's fears, holding his ice-cold hands as they rode in the carriage the short distance. Upon arriving both were ushered up the stairs where Bingley was arguing with his housekeeper.
"You cannot go in, Mr. Bingley. It is not proper."
"But I want to talk to her-" A loud moan came from Jane's bedroom, and Charles turned white and nearly fainted, being held steady by Darcy.
After a few minutes Mrs. Knolls came from the room to find out what the commotion was about. Seeing a very pale Bingley she shook her head saying, "You will be of no use to her, Mr. Bingley. Stay here!" She motioned for Mrs. Bailey to go in.
Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged confused glances then looked at Mrs. Knolls who said, "Mrs. Darcy, YOU may enter and I will send you out to keep the rest informed of the progress." Then the gruff woman turned about with the flair of a military colonel ready for battle, and re-entered Jane's bedchamber.
Elizabeth smiled at Bingley and took his hand trying to reassure him. "Jane will be fine, Charles. You must be patient. Mrs. Knolls informed us that it sometimes takes a day to deliver."
"An entire day!" Charles exclaimed. " Good God! I doubt I can stand to just sit here and do nothing while-" Another moan came from Jane's room, and Elizabeth felt Bingley's arm tense. She raised her brows and looked at Darcy who knew what she was asking him. His pensive stare was covered by a frown, and then he looked away, but nodded.
"Bingley," Darcy began. "Perhaps you could join me in your study to discuss plans for your tenants for the next season's crops."
Charles gazed at Darcy as if he had potatoes growing out of his ears. "Now?!"
"Since there will be no news for quite some time, it would seen an ample opportunity to discover your intentions on the matter."
Having his focus divided by the two diverse thoughts now running through his head, Bingley wavered. "Well..."
"I promise," vowed Elizabeth shaking his arm for emphasis, "to send word when any change occurs." She smiled up at him, hoping he would listen to reason.
"Well..."
"You did say Hurst sent you a bottle of cognac from France's Frapin' distillery," voiced Darcy changing the subject yet again. "Might you allow me to sample a glass to judge its merit?"
Mute now; Bingley exchanged looks between his two friends, nodding his head, knowing Jane was in the best of hands for the moment. He hugged and then kissed Elizabeth's cheek, and then pulled her from him to stare intently in her eyes. "You...you will come for me if anything-"
"I promise," she vowed before he finished his request. He nodded again and motioned Darcy down the hallway toward the study. Elizabeth disappeared into Jane's room quietly closing the door.
Bingley and Darcy entered the study one floor down, where Bingley proceeded to pour two rather large amounts of cognac into snifters, and offered one to his friend. He downed a good bit of the amount in the other glass, and then had to take several intakes of breath as the liquor burned as it went down his throat. Darcy merely sipped his, watching Bingley still cling to the decanter for a refill.
"Well," Bingley said when the ability of speech returned. "I doubt it's up to your standards, but it certainly does the trick." And he down the remainder in his glass and immediately refilled it.
Darcy watched for an opportunity to grab the decanter from Bingley's hand, and said, "Hurst's tastes are not my own as I prefer Hennessy, but this is actually quite good."
Bingley gulped more and then dropped into one of wingback chairs bringing the decanter with him, hugging the bottle to his chest, eyes glazing over in a soon to be stupor, struggling to remove his boots. Darcy sighed, remembering Bingley sometimes handled the stress of Cambridge in a similar manner all those years ago, but not much since. The only thing Darcy could do right now was to wait and watch so Bingley not harm himself while in this condition.
When he heard his friend humming, Darcy closed his eyes and shook his head, knowing what was to come next. Bingley began to sing bar songs off key and loudly. Thanks to the builders of the house, the walls were thick and he would not disturb anyone.
Well into the second verse after repeating the chorus Bingley abruptly stopped singing and asked, "Darcy, why would Mrs. Knolls not let me in to speak with Jane? I am the father after all, and that's a legit(hic)...legit(hic)...reason by it...it...itself to be sure. I could help her too by...by...well...there is surely something I could do...surely(hic)."
Darcy remained silent succeeding in taking the decanter away from Bingley's now slowed hands. Finally he spoke. "What you need to do is keep your mind occupied until they bring us news of the birth." That advice was good for him as well, he thought.
Bingley leaned close to his friend and lazily waved his index finger near Darcy's face replying, "Oh, no! You would not be so compliant with the wishes of that(hic)... that(hic)...person."
"Mrs. Knolls," corrected Darcy. "She seems a formidable foe when her realm is invaded by an expectant father now so inebriated he would be of no use and be in the way, preventing her from doing the job she has been trained for, that of helping bring your child into the world."
Pulling his mind out of its stupor for a moment, Bingley looked at Darcy with lucidity of one terribly worried asking, "Darce, do you think everything will be all right?"
"I pray it will be so," Darcy said sincerely. Trying to smile he added, "and that you will be of similar use to me when in four month's time I find myself in a similar situation."
Bingley smiled and patted Darcy on the arm. "I will be happy to oblige you, Darcy. Most assuredly."
And with that promise Bingley slumped back into the chair humming softly until he passed out dead away. Darcy sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He sipped his glass of cognac slowly, and stared at his friend, worrying about Jane and by association Elizabeth. The night now without company would prove to be long, but Darcy determined to stay awake in case either Bingley or anyone else had need of him.
He walked around the study browsing the shelves, trying to find something to keep his mind occupied that he not be nagged by some forgotten thought he had hidden well away from his consciousness, something that now was wanting to be let out.
"This will not do," he sighed, re-focusing his mind and pulling several books from the shelf. He resumed his seat beside his now softly snoring friend, and opened one to the first page. He sipped from his glass and read the first paragraph several times without retention as his mind continued to wander back so long ago, to his childhood at Pemberley. He sighed and looked over at Bingley pleasantly sleeping the night away and wanting nothing more than to join him in peaceful oblivion. He gazed at his glass still half full, knowing its influence on him was not as pronounced as with Bingley, and would only dull his senses, not take away his ability to function if there were need.
"Oh why not?" He asked himself as he down the remaining contents of his glass and then couldn't catch his breath until the burning sensation stopped. He replaced the glass and began to read again, but soon the words began to blur and he blinked several times to refocus his eyes to the page refusing to ceded to failure. Resting his elbow on the arm of the chair he leaned his cheek in his hand and willed himself not to return to those thoughts from the past. He fought against the alcohol as it finally began to take affect as his eyes drooped, and his jaw slacked as he too succumbed to slumber, leaning more heavily on his hand while still seated in the chair. Although he couldn't hear any sounds coming from Jane's chambers, Darcy had restless dreams consisting of moans and groans, which in truth were coming from his snoring friend and not Jane.
Darcy awoke in the early morning with the scent of lavender invading his mind, and then Elizabeth's face the first thing his eyes focused on. He could tell from her smile and her eyes sparkling with mirth that everything was fine. She raised her brows tilting her head, seemingly asking what had occupied his night with Bingley, the half consumed bottle of cognac still between them on the table.
He cupped her face in his hands and pulled it to his, kissing her with such intensity that told her of his love and his relief, all in the one kiss. He took him a long time before releasing her lips in order to breathe. Pulling her onto his lap, he proceeded to kiss her again, his arms encircling her. She gave no resistance, and was more than willing to comply, hungrily returning his kisses, letting him know how very happy she was to have him there.
Finally slaking his need for her reassurance, he leaned his forehead against hers, panting but content for now, holding her to him in a warm embrace. She was tired but happy also, and was almost gone to sleep when Bingley- who had been snoring softly- gave out a great loud snort, waking himself up with a start.
The noise brought him out of the chair, standing on unsteady legs. His eyes were wide in confusion, and panting as he tried to concentrate on getting his bearings to recognize where he was. Gazing about the room he spied Darcy with Elizabeth in his lap, she smiling at him, and Bingley finally remembered. He panted out, "Jane? The baby?"
Elizabeth took his hand and smiling said, "Both are fine, Charles. Congratulations! You have a beautiful daughter."
"A daughter? We have a daughter? That's marvelous!" Then he had a thought. "And everything went well? They are both fine?" He swallowed. "Jane is fine?"
"Yes," Elizabeth happily informed him. "Jane is fine, and your daughter is perfect. Oh, Charles, I am so happy for you!"
"Can I...can I...see them? Can I see Janey?" He swallowed, his eyes large with wondering.
Smiling, Elizabeth nodded her head. "Yes. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Knolls said you might go to them now, but not stay long."
The reality finally sunk into his brain just then, and he shouted, "A daughter! I have a daughter!"
He kissed Elizabeth and tried to kiss Darcy, who pushed him away growling, "Go, Bingley! Go see your wife and daughter, lucky man."
Bingley smiled the broadest smile and fairly ran from the room, sliding in stocking feet toward the door, yanking it open and out he went, taking a wrong direction and having to back track past the open door again. Elizabeth giggled at his giddiness. She snuggled back against Darcy who had the presence of mind not to rise when Bingley shot up from the chair, and so still had a firm grip on Elizabeth, which he tightened when she settled back onto his chest.
"Truly, are they fine, Elizabeth? There was no trouble?" He whispered, wanting reassurance.
"William, I can truthfully say so, yes. Of course, there was pain, and even with both the older women there, Jane was still glad I was with her. She was so fearful, but all seemed to progress normally, they said. Mrs. Knolls said that it had been an easy birth, and relatively quick once it had begun."
Darcy felt her body tense in his arms. And knowing she wished to relate more, he remained silent, kissing her temple and caressing her face to see her eye mist.
Finally, she looked directly into his eyes saying, "William, you must promise me one thing."
"Anything, my love."
"You must promise to be with me."
"I promise you, Lizzy," he vowed. "I will never leave you. You know that."
She nodded and he felt her tension lessen as he held her. And now reassured of his promise she smiled and her finger caressed his lips. He kissed her deeply, wanting nothing more than to take her home, so that she may sleep in her own bed, in his arms, keeping her safe in their confines. As he breathed in her wonderful fragrance, he became aware of his own yearnings, pushing away all other thoughts from his head. But as his longings progressed with his continued kissing of her, he became aware this was not the time or place for such an activity. And yet, he felt no rebuff from her at his advances. Rather, he felt her willingness to accommodate him.
"Elizabeth," he whispered in her ear, kissing her neck, hearing her soft moan. "When can we leave to return home so that we may be alone?"
She panted as she caressed his neck and tangled her fingers in his now disheveled hair. "Are we not alone now?" She whispered, kissing him softly.
He pulled her away from him so that he might see her face, his eyes questioning her silently at making such a suggestion. She smiled at him and arched her brows so that he knew she was teasing. He smiled back.
"You are the...most provoking...distracting...wonderful woman," he said giving her a peck on the cheek, the tension of fear in both of them now eased with her jest.
"We may leave at anytime," she said removing herself from his lap. He escorted her out of the study, and into the foyer near the front door where the servant awaited to help them into their coats, scarves, hats, and gloves.
Bingley's butler came up to them. "The carriage is ready for you, Mrs. Darcy. Mr. Darcy."
"Thank you, Giles. You have been most helpful this morning."
"I thank you, Madam. And you have been a great help to Mrs. Bingley this night. All the servants are grateful of this happy outcome."
"You are very kind, Giles." She smiled as he opened the door for them, following them out to the carriage.
"We shall send word to call on Mr. & Mrs. Bingley in a day or two," Darcy told Giles as he stood beside the carriage.
"Very good, sir. I shall relay that news to Mr. Bingley as soon as he departs from Mrs. Bingley's rooms."
"That may not be for some time," Darcy quipped knowing his friend's possessiveness of his wife and now child that only due to his trust in Darcy and Elizabeth did he deem to defer to their wishes last night. Darcy felt nothing short of a battle royal would remove Bingley from his wife's side now. He smiled as he aided Elizabeth into the carriage before he entered to sit beside her, laying the blanket over their legs, and encircling her in his arms.
He smiled at her as the carriage began down the winding drive asking, "Just when did you ask for the carriage to be readied?"
She smiled back answering, "Before I found the two of you in the study asleep beside the cognac."
He kissed her lips, now realizing the length of her jest. She never had any intention of his amorous behavior going much further with the carriage waiting just outside. He pulled her head against his chest realizing that she had wanted to be home as much as he. He rested his chin on her head and felt her happy sigh that all had gone well, and hoped that they too would have a happy result in a short time.
Posted on Saturday, 14 June 2003
With February came a late snowfall that covered the grounds in twelve inches of soft powdery whiteness. Elizabeth smiled at the sight when she awoke alone. And thought as she rose and began to dress to seek her husband to join her outside to enjoy it. Even though she was well along, she was still not so very large, and was quite agile yet. Darcy found her as she descended the back stairs and opened the kitchen door where she stopped when she looked out at the lawn. Darcy had been out sooner than she, and had done his best to make a snowman and woman for her to view. She began to laugh, and covered her mouth with mittened hands. His arms encircled her from the back, and he kissed her cheek smiling.
"How early were you out here?"
"Just before dawn. You looked so peaceful that I let you sleep."
And looking on his work she complained, "You have done an admiral job, but they are not complete."
"They are not?"
"They need a family."
He smiled, adding softly, "yes, but I thought that was something you would attend to." He caressed her waist gently through her pelisse; so happy with this baby she carried.
"Come, then," she said pulling from his embrace. "Let us both attend to it." Holding onto his arm they trudged down the stairs through the foot of snow to the center of the lawn.
He began to help her make the snow children and had completed the frames of at least two so far, needing only decorations to make them alive, when suddenly a soft packed snowball hit him square in his back. He sighed ignoring it, and continued to add finishing touches to his snow people when another snowball hit the back of his neck, followed by giggling coming from behind a nearby tree. He shook his head meaning to ignore her assault when a third snowball hit his hat, knocking it from his head. He turned around to see parts of her person trying unsuccessfully to hide behind the tree as she giggled.
"Elizabeth, I am not going to hurl snowballs at a woman with child, so do not even try to-" Another soft-packed snowball splattered this time on his face, and he had to use his hands to remove the snow from his eyes and mouth hearing her gales of laughter now. Smiling he began to trudge through the snow towards her, intending to grab her hands to keep more ammunition from being pelted. But she began to move away from the tree and on down the heavy snowdrifts, having to hop as she waded through higher drifts to get her feet and skirts free. Darcy wearing breeches and having longer legs was almost upon her when she began to fall backwards. She gasped as he caught her hands and she was suspended in air a few feet above the snow, her feet firmly trapped.
So many emotions played across his face in an instant, anger that she had been so irresponsible to have begun to run, fright of her falling to hurt herself or the baby, amusement that she would do no harm at falling in a three foot drift that would have cushioned her fall as much as any bed, and finally desire that he had hold of the most beautiful woman in the world.
He slowly lowered her, watching as she disappeared into the snowdrift and let loose her hands. Simply staring down at her, her cheek pink from the cold, his breath was visible in the crisp air. She smiled and waved her arms and legs forming the shape of an angel in the snow. He knelt down beside her, and leaned over her form kissing her deeply, the heat of their kiss melting the tiny flakes that fell on her face.
"William," she panted, holding his arms. "We are on the lawn in plain sight of the house."
"Where I found my very own snow angel," he teased, panted back smiling, kissing her again feeling her arms circle his neck. It was a while yet before either wished to go elsewhere. Finally he began helping her to free her feet so he could take her back inside to the warmth of the house, although neither could say that they were in any way cold at present.
There was a gasp followed by giggles from the figure watching at her upstairs bedroom window. Georgiana brushed her hair entranced by the entire scene, never remembering her brother so playful except in her childhood. She smiled, glad that he was so happy at last, wondering what her parents would think of him with Elizabeth. Somehow, she felt they would like her exceedingly well. Shaking her head Georgiana then turned from the window to continue her toilette.
Posted on Friday, 20 June 2003
Spring came to Pemberley and with it the planned absence of Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley again to the London townhouse. Georgiana promised a swift return as soon as her studies were complete at the music conservatory. Darcy had been in a quandary all the previous month as to how he could accompany her to school in London since he also had the dread of parting from Elizabeth now that she was well beyond being able to travel any great distances.
Bingley suggested the solution to the dilemma when he and Jane received a missive from Aunt Gardiner inviting them to visit for the month of April. With little Beatrice now past three months, both Jane and Charles thought she was old enough to take her first trip, wishing also to see the Gardiner's newest addition born just two months prior to their daughter.
Darcy could not have been more at ease with Bingley's suggestion of having Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley accompany them, for he trusted his friend to care for Georgiana as he did his own sisters, and so it was decided that they would depart at the week's end.
As the three Darcys stood by the front window waiting for the first sign of the Bingley carriage approaching Georgiana said, "I promise to write often, Lizzy, and will try to obtain the C-major Sonata by Haydn that you requested as well as any other sonatas we are studying that I think you would care for such as those by Muzio Clementi or Johann Schubert."
"You are such a sweet sister," Elizabeth said hugging the younger girl adding, "but I must warn you that by the time you return in just a few months I might not be able to see the piano keys or be able even to reach them." She teasingly stretched out her arms as far as they would go and pretended to play an invisible piano.
They both laughed, and Georgiana shook her head saying, "I am sure you will do fine without looking at the keys, Lizzy."
"Well, perhaps," admitted Elizabeth, looking up to her husband whose hand had never left her back, "if William can secure me to the piano bench I will be able to manage to play for him now that you are leaving us."
He smiled at her suggestion that she needed such assistance, saying only, "I would happy to oblige you whenever you wish to entertain me at the piano. I enjoy your playing as much as your singing."
"I admit to the enjoyment also even though I find it more difficult to breathe deeply to obtain the higher registers." She smiled at him, and felt his hand press more firmly against her back.
They stepped out onto the steps as they spied the Bingley's carriage nearing the house. When it stopped Bingley disembarked and smiling to his family said, "Well, this is a wonderful day for traveling, is it not, Darcy?"
"It is certainly bright with sunshine, if it is that to which you are referring, Bingley," Darcy said, but with a somewhat somber tone.
As the servants began loading the trunks for the journey Elizabeth replied, "I would like to talk to Jane while we wait," and approached the coach. Bingley was right beside her to aid her up the steps, taking meticulous care of her just as he did of his wife. "Thank you, Charles."
As Elizabeth stepped into the carriage, she sat beside Jane and hugged her. Little Beatrice was sleeping on the lap of the Mrs. Durbin, the wet nurse the Bingleys had from the day the baby was born. "Oh, Jane, I am going to miss you terribly."
"Lizzy, knowing you, I am sure you will stay quite busy, and not miss me half as much as you think," Jane teased, hugging her again, already missing her dear sister.
"You have changed, Jane, to even voice such an opinion," Elizabeth chided back.
"At the very least, we will write often, and Charles and I will be back within a month as the spring plantings will have begun, and he wishes to supervise."
"You must tell me of our youngest cousin," Elizabeth continued, "what he is like compared to all his older siblings."
"I will, dear Lizzy. I promise."
Bingley was busy instructing the servants with the last of the trunks as Darcy turned again to his sister. "You will write frequently," he ordered to his sister as he hugged her.
"How often have you not received letters from me, William?" she chided him smiling up to his stern face.
He smiled and admitted, "Well, be certain not to give up the practice this time as I will need the assurance of your health and well being now more than previously." She knitted her brows, but thought his statement was nothing beyond his usual worries of Elizabeth and the baby just now being carried over to her.
"Everything will fine, William. Do not worry so," she said trying to reassure him as she hugged him again.
"I have always loved you, Georgiana," he whispered, his embrace more tender than any he had ever given her since childhood, when he felt he needed her forgiveness of him for some wrong he committed.
"And I you, William," she replied back as he hugged her still, not wishing to let go of her. And when at last he did so, she saw his eyes had misted, but he was smiling at her.
"I will write you as soon as we are in town," she promised him.
"See that you do," he was teasing her again, seemingly his old self again as Bingley approached them again.
"I believe we are now ready to depart," Bingley said smiling. "I will take care to get them to town safely, Darcy. You have my word."
"I depend on it," replied Darcy, releasing his sister's hand to Bingley's to aid her into the carriage.
When Georgiana entered Elizabeth knew it was time, and hugged Jane once more. "Take good care of my niece," she said.
Jane smiled reassuringly at her and replied, "I shall, dear Lizzy."
Then Elizabeth hugged Georgiana tightly. "I wish you well in your studies, dear Georgiana even though I will miss you terribly."
"I shall be home as soon as may be to help however I am able," she acknowledged, and whispered, "Make sure William does not fret too much. He seems not himself at present."
Elizabeth looked into her little sister's worried face and nodded. "Perhaps he misses you more than he will admit to. In any case I will do my best to allay his fears." Georgiana nodded in return.
Mrs. Annesley waited for Darcy and Bingley to aid Elizabeth from the carriage before entering with Bingley's help.
"Well, we are off then," he said smiling. "I am sure we will be a lively party with I the only male of the group," he quipped knowing how women love to talk at length.
"Oh, Charles," Elizabeth chided hugging him tightly. "We shall miss you."
"Safe journey," Darcy added.
"We shall return by the next month's end," Bingley promised entering the carriage to sit by his wife.
As the door closed, the carriage made its way down the drive to the main road and then toward London, leaving the young couple on the steps watching its departure. And after the carriage had disappeared through the last stand of trees, Darcy remained with Elizabeth in his arms, still watching the now deserted road. She could feel him tighten his hold of her, and leaned further back into his chest, relishing how secure she felt being in his arms, and a sigh escaped her lips. His tension seemed to melt away then as he felt her contentment.
"Here we are alone again," he said.
"Just the three of us," she teased looking up to him smiling.
He leaned down smiling, and kissed her temple and whispered back, "Yes, the three of us." And he took her arm and escorted her up the stairs through the front door.
He pretended to read he watched her progress silently, and finally replied, "Perhaps you could grace me with a song or play the piano as entertainment." He looked at her with inscrutable eyes. Having at last attained a position of semi-comfort, she looked up to him and gave a little "humph."
He continued, remembering her conversation with Georgiana the day of her departure to town. "Have you the need of my securing you to the bench in order that you may play without fear of falling?"
She tried not to smile at him as he continued his tease. "Oh, but that will not do since your arms are now too short to span the distance." He stretched his arms out in front of him and pretended to play the invisible piano.
As he saw her begin to smile, knowing her laughter would erupt when he gave her his final solution. "I could have the servants raise the piano legs so that you may reach the keys more easily." He raised his hands to above his head and again pretended to play.
By now she was completely beside herself with mirth as she laughed aloud with his having easily dispelled her sour mood. "You are incorrigible," she accused as she thought his tension too had diminished, but she saw his face grow somber once more.
"William, our child will come into the world as easily as Jane's. I was with her, and I give you my word there was no undue trouble."
"As you have related to me on many occasions, so I know that it is so," he responded, trying to smile, determined not to express his concerns too readily.
Now that he had succeeded in lifting her spirit, she now wished to do the same for his by asking, "What is the tome you are attempting to read, William?"
He closed the book, and looked at the title as if he had never before noticed it. "Homer's the Odyssey," he replied, looking down at the book curious that he had chosen it.
"Greek mythology?" she asked, and saw him look intently into her eyes.
"One man's struggles on his journey home," was his only reply.
She arched her brows and smiling asked, "Is that to be our entertainment tonight then?"
He looked at the book again and then sighed putting the book on the side table. "No. I am not the mood to read such a story as that tonight."
Determined now to lighten his mood she smiled and suggested, "Perhaps then I can find some novel left by Kitty or Georgiana; Beckford's Vathek or even...Mrs. Radcliffe's The Romance of the Forest to let your mind travel to some exotic landscape or other to have a handsome hero sweep you off your feet." She watched as he smiled and rolled his eyes at her even suggesting such drivel.
Elizabeth deciding it was time to present him with other images to dispel his unease. She threatened, "If you do not desist in your dour mood I shall be forced to relate to you stories of when my mother was with child, from my own childish point of view, of course."
And so sudden was his reaction to this that she saw his mouth drop open in disbelief, followed by his finally laughing quite aloud.
When able to speak, he begged her, "Elizabeth, I feel you had best not make me form those visions in my mind for it would be too disconcerting to imagine your mother thus."
Elizabeth started to giggle and shook her head. "Perhaps you are right, William. However, the compulsion to regale you with my childhood visions still stands as a warning."
His eyes-now alive with glee; he replied, "I will take note of that-"
Just then, the baby gave her a hard kick, which made Elizabeth inhale. Darcy was at her side in an instant.
"Lizzy?" Darcy asked now standing beside her chair with a worried look on his face.
"It is just a kick, my love," Elizabeth smiled as she massaged that spot. "Here, let me have your hands."
Darcy hesitated, suddenly afraid to hurt the now moving child. She realized that his mother must not have been able to gift him with this form of touch when she was with child. She smiled and teased him.
"I seem to recall you asking me to trust you to help me overcome my fears once. Surely you will give me the same consideration, sir."
He looked into her smiling eyes and she added, "You will be pleasantly surprised." Those wonderful arched eyebrows again encouraged him.
He knelt down beside her chair, and slowly he reached his hands over to her. She put her hands over his, and they waited. A kick came from two different locations. Darcy face was a jumble of nervous exhilaration. He smiled in wonder.
"Your child is very active today, sir," Elizabeth said softly. "He sleeps but little now, and finds great joy in squeezing himself in the smallest places where he can no longer fit."
"Does he kick you like that often?"
"Usually in the afternoons after my ride."
He finally knew the time had come to brooch this subject, and gently replied, "You need to stop riding now."
"Sampson is very gentle and perceptive."
"I know, and, forgive me for saying this, my love, but your balance must have shifted especially in this past month. I am sure you feel less secure now even on Sampson."
She arched her eyebrows at him, but noted the veiled attempt at tact that he had acquired since their marriage. "I have to admit that is true, William," she acknowledged, knowing of his concerns that he had kept so long to himself to prolong her enjoyment of the activity. "Very well then," she agreed. "No more rides until afterwards."
"Thank you," he whispered, relieved that she acquiesced without argument.
"But please do no say no more walks, William," she said almost pouting. "I do so love the garden paths, you know."
He hugged her to him, and kissed her cheek tenderly. "Just stay within hearing distance and I will feel better about your walks."
"That is reasonable and sound," she smiled teasing him with one of his own phrases, which he chose to ignore except to raise one eyebrow at her.
The servant knocked and came in just then to announce that dinner was ready.
"Good." Darcy stood and then held her hands to help her rise from the chair, and as they exited the library he said, "Come, let us see what wonderful dinner Cook has come up with today."
Elizabeth couldn't let that remark go by unchallenged. She stopped walking, turned, and faced him. "I thought you just implied that I was getting rather large, my husband." She looked at him trying not to smile. But when he cradled her head in his hands in full view of the servant going by and pulled her into a kiss so soft but so lingering she couldn't help but smile.
"As you are well aware," he whispered, "I said no such thing. You have barely gained any additional weight. I only said your balance has been shifted."
"Because of my added weight? I do not suppose you would say such a thing to Sir Lucas," she pretended to pout.
He laughed softly and placed her hand on his arm walking her down the hallway. "No, I would not presume to say anything of the sort to your father's rotund neighbor. But he is not carrying an active growing life inside of him as you are, and therefore have a reason for the-"
"Added girth?"
He sighed. "I was going to say maternal appearance, but you seem to insist upon inferring that you are merely large, when we both have just now felt our child expressing himself."
She finally gave up her pretense to argue. "You are right, my love." She then admitted, "It is just that I am not used to being this ungainly which is often attributed to larger persons not with child. I shall endeavor to change my attitude to a more positive bent."
"Good. Now about Cook, he is trying to entice you to eat more, my love, and says you rarely eat anything now."
"I eat enough, but just have not the energy to eat much of late, sir."
"Then, it is up to the master to make his lovely wife eat and rest more, and take better care of herself." She started to insist she did take care of herself when he interrupted her with, "I can see you still need to be further educated on how best to change your attitude toward my suggestions."
And his arms pulled her into an embrace and another kiss, this one so passionate that it caused her to pant to catch her breath, unable to speak. With his own voice raspy he added, "Do it for my peace of mind, please." She could deny him nothing. She nodded and smiled at him, touching her hand to his cheek noticing his soft pants.
He kissed her again softly this time and whispered, "You are so radiant, Lizzy. I can barely keep my thoughts in check when around you."
She smiled at this as he re-gained his composure, and tried to re-gain the topic as he added, "But you must eat at least a bite of two at dinner. You need to keep your strength."
"I shall apply myself to the task if only to please you, my love," she whispered back. He kissed her gently and they found their way into the dining room where she ate more than she wished, just to keep him happy.
Two weeks later Wilkins handed her the mail for the day and she noticed the distinct handwriting of her mother. Elizabeth sighed wandering into the solarium to read it, wishing to be in the sunniest room in the house. During the winter months when the cold weather had forced her to remain indoors, the solarium had renewed her spirit then as no other room could. She now felt the need for this cheery place as she sat down and broke the seal, beginning to read what she already knew was in her mother's letter.
Longbourn House
April 10, 1814
Dear Mrs. Darcy,
Oh, my. I can't get over how wonderfully grand it sounds to call you so. And I must admit to certain spitefulness by Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas each time I mention you to them, which is not so frequently now that they refuse to come to tea as often.
But I have just received your last letter, and I must say what you write is utter nonsense. As your confinement is nearing an end you would, of course, desire to have your mother by your side, my dear Lizzy. Who else could you turn to for advice and counsel to help you through your ordeal? I have survived no less than five birthings and think I can manage to get you through this one as well.
Of course, I was always sickly during my confinements, and had to have the midwife give me herbal remedies to calm my poor nerves during the deliveries of each and every one of you girls as my heart palpitations were so extreme and my nerves all aflutter I doubted I would survive myself.
But you have such a wonderful home and have a staff that could supply your every whim. Had I been so fortunate to be likewise, I am sure I would have had no trouble in procuring any help available to me. And this business of your only having a midwife attend you is most distressing. Your dear husband, Mr. Darcy would give you anything your heart desires, and can well afford to have the best physician from London attend if you should require it as well as a nurse or two.
In fact when I come Mr. Darcy could also provide me with a nurse for my disposal, as I have been in need of one for quite some time, but you father refuses to provide me one citing that when I am truly ill, he would surely fetch one for me.
The fact that you have seen fit not to ask me to come is most upsetting for me, your own dear mother. Are we too high in society now that you are the grand and haughty Mrs. Darcy that you would not wish to have your family around you in this most difficult time? My heart breaks to think you are so insensitive to the feelings of your own family.
I am sure that Lady Lucas would not be treated thus by her own daughter if she were to be confined as you are. But she has not similar need since Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been unable to produce even the attempt of an heir. Charlotte was quite too old to be of use to him, and he must live with his choice now. Had he but chosen one of my own dear daughters he would now most likely have an heir to live here, and we would not be left out in the hedge groves when your father dies. But he had not the sense to do so, and now he must be content with Charlotte Lucas, and no children.
But you, my dear Lizzy, are not to have the same fate. You are to be the mother of the heir to Pemberley, and I shall be there to attend you whenever you tell me when the event is to occur. Pray tell me when shall I be required to arrive to aid you? I must get there in plenty of time to oversee the household while you are unable and will have your grand house much improved by the time you emerge.
I shall bring Mary and Kitty along as well. Mary may be of some use, but Kitty will not as she is far too young to be in your chambers, and will be constantly complaining of boredom or off somewhere with her paint box. What a useless talent for a young girl.
But as she will be there perhaps your dear husband will see fit to introduce her to some rich gentleman that will propose to her before we are to leave you. Oh, to have another of my daughters marry well would do my heart good.
I have made Mr. Bennett aware of my plan and have only to await your letter of the time so that we may come.
Your loving mother
Elizabeth re-read her mother's letter of admonishment that she should wish for her own mother to come and aid in her ordeal. "Oh, Mama," Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head. The only ordeal Elizabeth could fathom at present was to have her mother come without permission or welcome. In a fit of part moodiness and part desperation, she sat down at her desk and wrote her thoughts to her father, begging him to intercede to keep mother from embarking on a trip to Derbyshire.
Mr. Bennett hastily broke the seal to quickly read her missive that had arrived by express, his heart pounding as he thought it must contain some dreadful news. But as he began to read her unusually short letter his laughter could be heard from the beyond his bookroom door.
Pemberley, Derbyshire
April 15, 1814
Dearest Father
I hope this letter finds you and the family in good health aside from Mama's nerves, of course.
We are all awaiting the arrival of your next grandchild in late June, and have ample help now in the form of Jane and Charles, and the entire staff here at Pemberley. The midwife Jane had at her delivery of your perfect little granddaughter is excellent, and Dr. White has complete faith in Mrs. Knolls, as does William.
Please relate that we have not the need for Mama to come and be present at my laying in as I have all the help I can possibly contend with for the moment, and any more would be too "helpful", if you have an understanding my meaning, father. Mother was thankfully not present for Jane during her delivery, and I would wish if it were possible to let me have the same consideration at mine.
I truly know of mother's devotion to me, and would not wish to offend her in any way that would make your life more uncomfortable, but if there could be some way of curtailing her inevitable visitation until after the birth, even if it be only a day or two, I would be most grateful, father, and would wish for you to see to the matter as soon as maybe.
Your loving daughter,
Lizzy
As her father re-read her missive and placed it on his desk, he laughed again because he knew from Jane when the birth of Elizabeth's child was expected. But he took pity on his second daughter; taking pen to paper began to compose a missive for which his quills were seldom used.
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
April 30, 1814
Dearest Lizzy,
I gather from your last express that you and your husband must be in excellent health of body. But perhaps you, my dear, are not in as sound of mind of late, as I have just read in your letter the probable date of delivery of my second grandchild as being later in a summer month.
After having had several letters from your sister, Jane, who related the probable date of your delivery as being at a much earlier time of year, if you insist on the child not appearing until the later length of time you stated, I would have quite a story to tell not only to the neighbors, but to the newspapers as well!
I understand that you have been receiving a superfluity of mail due to the correspondences from you beloved mother for which I am outlaying increasing sums for her posts. She, having already made me aware of her future visit to you in order to aid you during your time, has not asked my opinion of the soundness of her plans.
My understanding of all the times your mother was in the same condition makes me wonder of her desiring to experience a most distressing time that I distinctly recall her saying she wished never to re-visit again.
But, Lizzy, I must tell you that I have no objection to her going as a peace will be descend upon Longbourn at her departure along with our two remaining daughters, that I would truly enjoy my leisure.
Hill, and I might add the entire staff, will be equally thankful of a much needed respite for the weeks of silence of which they have had so seldom in all their years of service, that I would not begrudge them of it.
But if your desire is to disallow all that peacefulness here at Longbourn, to have it rather be at Pemberley where you perhaps are in more need of it, then my refusals of your mother's arrangements will in full force as per your request.
We will perhaps make plans for a summer holiday that will include repairs to London to visit with your newest cousin, and then my first grandchild before finally alighting on your doorstep.
You had but to solicit my succor for me to have it be so, my dear Lizzy. I remain
Your devoted and ever-complying father
And so it was that Mr. Bennett insisted Mrs. Bennett stay home with him until after the birth, attesting to the fact that she was not up to such a long trip without many stops to calm her nerves. He put forth the alternate plan that they should go as far as London to her brother's to meet his newly arrived son before traveling further north.
Having voiced that opinion to his wife, Mr. Bennett was then obligated to write missives to not only his brother Gardiner of the plan, but to Jane as well, with many comments to make her laugh when she received his letter.
God bless him, thought Elizabeth as she read her father's response to Jane when she visited Pemberley a week later. As they both sipped tea Elizabeth told Jane she didn't think she could have kept her sanity with her mother's nervous presence added to Darcy hovering. Of course, she thought she knew why he did so, and that did make it a bit easier to tolerate.