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Chapter 13
Posted on Wednesday, 2 April 2008
The moment Anne said yes, Darcy stood and pulled her into an embrace.
"You have made me a very happy man, Anne de Bourgh. Happier than I could ever have imagined."
"I could say the same of you, but then I would sound entirely unoriginal."
Darcy threw back his head and laughed. "Minx!"
Anne enjoyed seeing the unreserved, playful side of her cousin. Here was the man who had winked at her, twice! She leaned back just enough to be able to see his face.
"I like to hear you laugh. It gives me hope that our future will not be so dreary."
"With you by my side, I doubt that could happen. You have a joie de vivre that affects those around you."
"I dearly love to laugh."
"It was one of the things I found fascinating about you."
Anne pulled him close again, nestling her head against his chest. "Hmmm, tell me what else caught your fancy."
"Your wit, of course. Though I have long known how impertinent you are. I have seen how loyal you are; you went out of your way to befriend Miss Simpson for your cousin's sake.
"I am not alone in noticing these things. My good friend Charles Bingley likes you, but I think you rather intimidate him."
"How so? I like him very much." Anne asked, surprised.
"Has he ever flirted with you?"
"No, he has not."
"Bingley is a very amiable man, determined to be pleased with every one he meets. To not flirt with a woman means he is either uncomfortable or completely uninterested. Since I know he thinks you are a lovely young woman, I believe he is a little in awe of you."
Anne looked up at him. "Then you are not in awe of me? How disappointing!"
"If I were, you would quickly grow bored. What challenge is there for you if the man you marry lets you have your way without resistance? No Anne, we are well matched. For I will not sit by idly while you do whatever you want, and you will certainly make known your opinions about my actions and decisions." Darcy placed his finger under her chin. "I would not want it any other way," he said softly, and then he brushed her lips with his.
The smiles on their faces disappeared, replaced by something infinitely more private. His lips descended upon hers and she met them eagerly. This kiss was not fleeting like the first. This was a kiss that unleashed the passion they had held in check.
Eventually he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. They were breathing heavily, their hearts racing in their chests.
"Oh lord, Anne," Darcy swallowed, "please, do not tell me you wish for some ridiculously long engagement! I fear for my sanity if we must wait very long to marry."
"One kiss, and we are nearly undone," she said, dazed.
"Soon?"
"Soon enough." Anne laid her head against his chest. She was still having trouble thinking clearly. If their relationship had changed when they began to speak of courtship, then it had been irrevocably transformed by what had just happened between them. They were lovers now, in everything but the final act of consummation.
"Come, let us walk again." Darcy offered Anne his arm and they resumed their ramble.
The day was warm, but not oppressively hot, and though the two were walking so close together it would have been hard to tell whether it was the temperature or their proximity that made them seek the shade. Anne pointed to a sheltered bench where they could sit.
"I will speak with your mother when we return to ask her for her consent. I will seek out our uncle when I return to Town for his consent as well."
"I think Mama gave her consent right after I was born," Anne quipped.
"Nevertheless, I will ask her, even if it is only a formality."
"Always the gentleman, Fitzwilliam." Anne reached over and caressed his cheek. He smiled tenderly, covering her hand with his.
"You deserve no less; but I would like to have your agreement on a wedding date before I face her. Otherwise, I am afraid she will demand I go secure a license and marry you tomorrow."
"Oh no. She will want to have time to glory in a match well made. I suspect I will be subjected to a plethora of calls and the subject of a great deal of correspondence. Are you certain you must leave me to face this alone?"
"I told you I must take Georgiana to her school. I also do need to speak with our uncle. He is your guardian and we cannot wed without his consent."
"Unless we eloped, but our family would never forgive us if we did. Very well, but can we not wait a little longer before we return to the house? I quite like this wicked feeling of being alone with my betrothed in the middle of the Park."
If ever there was an invitation for a man to kiss a woman, that surely was one. Darcy gladly accepted.
After the cousins had calmed down from their latest exploration of their newly acknowledged attraction, it was time to walk, and think, again.
"We should come to an accord on a wedding date before we meet with Aunt Catherine." Darcy laughed lightly. "I think I need decide how I will address your mother. I cannot call my mother-in-law ‘aunt' after we marry."
"You could call her ‘Mother' as I do, or ‘Mama'."
"My mother will always be ‘Mother' in my mind," Darcy stated.
"‘Mother de Bourgh'?" They both shuddered; Anne stumbled. Once Darcy knew she was unharmed, he made sure he had a tighter grip on her arm as he led the way down the path.
"Perhaps ‘Lady Catherine', while more formal, is the best choice. I can address her as ‘madam' a majority of the time. But to return to the issue at hand, what is your opinion on the length of our engagement?"
"It will take some time to make all the arrangements. The marriage contract, for one thing, will not be the work of a day. And while my apartments here at Rosings are comfortable, it is not what the master and mistress of the estate should occupy. Mother still resides in the same rooms as when she was married. I will need to have work begin on our new chambers as soon as possible."
"We can make do, and we will not spend all of our time in Kent."
"I understand that, Fitzwilliam. Surely we will reside mainly in Derbyshire when not in Town."
"Does that disappoint you?" he asked, concerned. "Rosings is your heritage."
"But Pemberley is yours. Besides, we can leave Mama to continue comfortably at Rosings while we live primarily in Derbyshire."
"I did once mention that the distance between the two estates was an advantage of the match," he said smugly, "but I digress."
"Surely if I need time to prepare Rosings for you, you will need time to prepare Pemberley for me?"
Darcy had anticipated her argument. "I made provisions with my steward before I left. All that is needed is a letter from me and they will be put into practice. Pemberley will be ready to claim you sooner than you think. Two months is all I need."
"Two months! I cannot possibly be ready in two months!" Anne cried. "I was hoping a date in April would be acceptable."
"April! That is nearly eight months away! No," Darcy shook his head, "April is simply out of the question. December, before winter."
"Three months is nearly as unreasonable as two for what needs to be done!"
"I would insist on a date before the new year if the situation on the Continent were not so precarious. I would like to take you on a wedding trip to Italy, but it is too dangerous to consider it now. We could go before the stifling heat of summer hits and be back in England when the weather is the nicest. However, until Napoleon is defeated, I will not risk such a journey. Besides, Aunt... Lady Catherine will never rest until she sees us married. She will support me..."
Later that afternoon in a parlor at Rosings
"... April would be the ideal month for you to marry. I will have plenty of time to have your new chambers here at Rosings prepared for your habitation and still be able to personally take Anne to Town for her trousseau. You have Pemberley to prepare, and your house in Town as well -- though that place has the least to do. My sister had impeccable taste and Anne should be happy with her new chambers, at least until she has a chance to decide how she wishes to redecorate. Of course, my brother and I must work out the details of Anne's settlement. Yes, April would give me just enough time to arrange everything. I am excessively attentive when it comes to Anne's happiness."
Anne sat through her mother's recitation with a rather smug look on her face. She knew her mother well; Lady Catherine would be planning her crowning achievement and no one, bride or groom, would stop her. Fitzwilliam Darcy had underestimated his future mother-in-law.
Darcy and Anne had resolved to approach her together with the news of their understanding. Neither expected her ladyship to take the news tranquilly. Her long-held dream had come to pass and she would let everyone know it.
Thus they were a little taken aback when he asked for her consent and blessing and Lady Catherine said serenely, "Of course you have both. I gave it to you long ago, Fitzwilliam. Now about the wedding..." They had expected more effusions; Lady Catherine acted as if it were only what was expected. She did, however wear a satisfied smile the entire interview.
It was decided that a wedding in March would suit. They would be married from Kent and travel to London afterward. Lady Catherine suggested they could stay in Town for the Season, but neither Darcy nor Anne would say whether they preferred to stay in London or continue north to Derbyshire.
One thing was certain. Darcy did not get his way about an earlier wedding date. Belatedly he realized he never stood a chance.
If Anne thought she had escaped her mother's raptures over the match, she was sorely mistaken. That evening, after Anne had retired, Lady Catherine came to see her in her chambers.
"It was about time you stopped dithering and came to an understanding."
"Mother, I was not ready to give him an answer before now," Anne said in her defense.
"Yes, well. It is done now, as I always knew it would be. After all these years of vowing never to marry Fitzwilliam, you came to your senses at last. Oh, I know you could have aspired to marry a titled gentleman, but many titled gentlemen come into a marriage with empty coffers. Your future husband is too much like his father, conscientious in all things, to ever worry for money. You will be well looked after and your children will not suffer from a lack of dowry like I did."
Anne always wondered why her mother had married her father. Lady Catherine rarely spoke of her late husband and when she did, Anne never detected any fondness. Was her choice purely a matter of money? Anne pitied her mother if it were true.
"I am not marrying Fitzwilliam for his money. I like him very much."
"Of course you do. You have practically grown up together. He will be a good husband, not bothering you with too many demands. Give him a few heirs and you can live in peace."
"Mother!"
"Be sensible, child. Men have this insatiable desire to produce a child to carry on the family name. Once they have one or two sons, the need becomes less consuming. You will not be forced to suffer from excessive attention."
Anne was not about to engage her mother in a conversation about children and how they were begotten. There would be time for that later and Anne had a suspicion that her mother's experience would not be repeated by her, not if Fitzwilliam's kiss was any indication of the pleasures of the marriage bed to come.
"At least you were not too stubborn for your own good. I am very relieved that Rosings will be in such capable hands. I knew Fitzwilliam was the perfect man to become the new master. He will not let you have your way."
"I thank you for your confidence is me."
"Oh, you are ready to be a fine mistress in my stead. I have spent years preparing you to someday take my place. All you need is a husband, and soon you will have one. It is all as I have hoped since the first time I held you in my arms.
"Now then, Fitzwilliam will speak to your uncle after he has seen Georgiana to school. The dear child could have no better sister than you. But until your cousin has seen my brother, we must keep the news of your betrothal to ourselves. I expect that we will journey into Town ourselves at the end of the month. That gives us plenty of time to visit all of our neighbors before we take our leave for London again. Any remaining details of your settlement can be addressed at that time."
There was one issue Anne was determined to settle before Darcy left Kent. It concerned the marriage settlements and the disposition of Rosings. She hated bringing up an issue she knew would lead to a disagreement, but it could not be helped.
"Darling," she began, "before your departure, there is one thing I wish to discuss. I fear it will be unpleasant, but it needs to be resolved."
"This sounds serious."
"It is; we need to discuss Rosings."
"Rosings? Rosings is yours and will be given to one of our children, hopefully a second son. What else is there to discuss?"
"As of this moment, if anything were to befall me before we married, Rosings would devolve to my cousin, Arthur de Bourgh."
"I am not surprised; I doubted you would name your mother as your heir. He is your nearest relative on the de Bourgh side of your family. Have your wishes changed?"
"Not in the least; that is what I wish to settle before the wedding settlements are finished. I wish for Arthur to remain my heir should anything happen to me before we have a child."
"You want Arthur to have Rosings, instead of me?"
"You have your Pemberley. Why cannot Arthur have Rosings? This should be a moot point. Once we have children, they would have first claim to the estate. I only wish for Arthur to be the heir presumptive."
"I do not know if this is wise, Anne."
"Nevertheless, it is what I want. I warn you that I am perfectly willing to postpone the wedding indefinitely until you agree."
"Do I have a choice?"
"No. It is for the best. And Rosings is his family's ancestral estate, too."
"Your mother will not approve."
"My mother is not the heiress of Rosings Park -- I am. Until we marry, it is mine. I only want my wishes to be carried out in the unlikely event of my demise. Please, Fitzwilliam?"
He sighed, resigned to the fact that he would forever be acceding to her wishes. "Very well, it shall be as you ask, but only if you agree that Rosings should be given to a second son.
"Agreed, or a daughter if there is no other male."
"As you wish. I will tell my solicitor to include that in the marriage documents. Are you content now?"
"Oh yes, that is a great worry lifted from my mind. It is important to me that the de Bourgh line continues in ownership of the estate, either through me or through Arthur. You would wish the same for Pemberley."
"I would, indeed!"
"Come, I will not detain you any longer. You need to leave and I am not helping you prepare."
Thus Darcy left his future bride to collect Georgiana and then saw his sister established in her school. Until Anne and Lady Catherine arrived in Town, he continued to prepare his London household to welcome the new mistress.
Chapter 14
Posted on Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Charles Bingley was always welcome at Darcy's townhouse. The butler, Clayton, had orders to allow the gentleman entrance into the house even when the master was not "at home" to visitors. Bingley was a pleasant man and Darcy valued his friendship. Darcy also felt a bit responsible for the younger man, having already rescued him from a few scrapes of the romantic kind, for Charles Bingley was a man who fell into love quickly. Darcy felt that if he could keep Bingley from proposing to his latest flame until he had a chance to fall out of love, Bingley would eventually find a woman who was not solely after his money.
When Bingley was announced, Darcy was surprised and pleased. When Miss Caroline Bingley was announced as well, Darcy was taken aback. Bingley had always called alone.
He should have had an idea that this was no normal visit when Bingley would not look him in the eye when he greeted him.
"I did not know you had returned to Town. Last I heard you were visiting family in the North."
"We arrived but yesterday," Caroline Bingley answered for her brother.
"I am surprised you have time to make calls today, Miss Bingley. I believe your sister's wedding is in a few weeks."
"Louisa is out shopping today, but when Charles said he was going to see if you were here, I insisted he bring me along. As we have just arrived, I have not had a chance to read the papers at all and I had hoped to hear news of the comings and going of the ton."
Miss Bingley seized the opportunity to capture his arm and place her hand in it. Darcy did appreciate the proficiency of her action. Few women could accomplish the feat with such aplomb at such a young age.
"You should have accompanied your sister; surely the shops she patronizes today will hold more information than what you might glean here."
"Then you simply must tell us what you have been amusing yourself with as of late. Charles always looks to your example."
Darcy looked sharply at his friend, with the feeling that Bingley had not told his sister the news of his betrothal to Anne. Bingley looked like a young boy caught stealing treats from the kitchen. Darcy was about to reveal his news when Lady Catherine and Anne were announced. He felt Miss Bingley tighten her grip on his arm. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her look at Anne in a way that reminded him of a dog sizing up its competition. Darcy then looked at his friend and saw him trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
Darcy knew that if Bingley continued to allow his sister to order him about, as she most likely had that morning, he would be in for difficulty later. He would be unable to control Caroline and she would, by her self-serving actions, put him in situations more awkward than this.
Very well, Darcy thought, perhaps this is as good a time as any for another lesson.
Uncharacteristically, Darcy started speaking before Lady Catherine had a chance to say a word.
"Lady Catherine, Cousin Anne! What a delightful surprise, I had not expected you." He had known they were coming, and they were momentarily puzzled by his declaration. "Allow me to introduce to you my good friend, Charles Bingley and his sister, Caroline. This is my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Aunt Catherine, I do not know if you remember Mr. Bingley, but Anne met him last Season. Anne, Mr. and Miss Bingley have just arrived in Town from Scarborough for their sister's wedding. They were very gracious to call so soon after their arrival." Darcy winked at Anne and Lady Catherine as a signal to play along with his little charade and he made no effort to kiss Anne's hand, the first time he had not since their betrothal. Of course, his mode of address already alerted them that some mischief was about. Their engagement had been announced weeks ago and he had ceased calling Lady Catherine "aunt" before he left Kent.
Miss Bingley curtsied at the introduction, but did not release Darcy's arm. No mean feat! Anne arched her eyebrows at the display. Lady Catherine pursed her lips, though whether it was in annoyance or amusement was uncertain.
"A pleasure, your ladyship."
Anne turned to Mr. Bingley. He looked miserable.
"Mr. Bingley! Allow me to offer my congratulations on your elder sister's nuptials. She weds soon?"
"Uhm, yes. In a few weeks," he stammered. "We are very much looking forward to gaining a new brother." Caroline wrinkled her nose at her brother's pronouncement.
"Well, you know what they say, one wedding often leads to another. I wonder who will be next to enter into the married state?"
Darcy nearly choked, stifling his laughter; Anne had quickly caught on.
"Yes, Cousin Anne! You never know when you will meet the one destined to become your spouse." Darcy smiled down at Caroline -- who in turn caught her breath and clutched his arm harder.
Lady Catherine "hmph'd" and sat down on her favorite oversized chair, the one that had always reminded Darcy of a throne. He kept it in the room for his aunt's sake.
The party conversed for nearly fifteen minutes. Darcy politely endured Caroline Bingley's interrogation, and then asked her about her coming out into Society. She happily told him of their plans both before and after the wedding and hinted she would be pleased to dance with him when they were at the same events.
"Ah, Miss Bingley, that would all depend."
"On what, sir?" she asked, stepping into the trap he had patiently laid.
"The wishes of my fiancée, of course."
Charles Bingley groaned. Caroline shot her sibling a dark look.
"You are engaged?"
"Of course. How careless of me not to notice. I should have realized you had not known, otherwise you would have undoubtedly offered us your congratulations earlier."
"Undoubtedly! I wish you joy, Mr. Darcy."
"And Anne?"
"Anne?"
"Miss Anne de Bourgh. I thought everyone knew we were intended for each other since Anne was a little girl."
"I had not... that is..." Caroline Bingley squared her shoulders as she turned to face Anne. "My congratulations on your betrothal. Had I but known, I would have offered them earlier."
Bingley could no longer remain silent. Blushing, he went to stand before Anne. "You must forgive Caroline, I must have dreamt telling her your excellent news. I too would like to offer my congratulations, Miss de Bourgh. My friend is a most fortunate man to have secured the promise of your hand in marriage."
Anne extended her hand and Mr. Bingley bowed over it, being careful to release it as soon as he could politely do so, knowing Darcy was watching him.
"We will leave you now. Come, Caroline."
As they were walking out, Bingley pulled Darcy aside. "I cannot believe you strung along Caroline like that, Darcy!"
"Perhaps it was beneath me, but you both needed the lesson. You should have told her of my engagement and she should not have made such a fool of herself over me. Really, such behavior does neither of you credit and if she is not careful, she could find herself in a difficult situation. Not all men she will meet are honorable. Fortunately, Anne was very gracious. She had every right to tell your sister to stop hanging onto her betrothed." Darcy gave his friend a very pointed look.
"You are correct. I will speak to her after we leave." Bingley's smile returned. "But let me offer you my congratulations as well. Miss de Bourgh is a fine catch."
"That she is. Thank you. Am I still invited to the wedding?"
"Of course." The amiable Bingley had returned; he slapped Darcy's shoulder. "Caroline wishes it!"
The weeks wore on and soon it was approaching the end of the year. Darcy had attended Louisa Bingley's wedding and wished the newly married couple well. He also made a concerted effort to dance with Miss Caroline Bingley whenever they attended the same assemblies and balls. Anne knew his conscience played on him for the little drama he had orchestrated in his home. Fortunately, Miss Bingley recovered from her mortification and wisely accepted Mr. Darcy's proffered olive branch. She used his attentions to entice other men into her company. There were many "fish in the sea" who would overlook her connections with trade in exchange for her handsome dowry. She may have been disappointed, but she was no fool.
It was decided that Darcy needed to return to Derbyshire to attend to Pemberley. He wanted to leave before winter storms hit the North, making travel difficult at best. Georgiana would remain at her school. Lady Catherine decided to tarry in Town for a few more weeks and then return to Rosings until the wedding.
Before he left, Darcy managed to find some time alone with Anne. Mrs. Jenkinson had proven to be a very conscientious chaperone. She said little in company, but she doggedly would not let the couple out of her sight. Mercifully, Lady Catherine had intervened and allowed the cousins a few moments of privacy.
Not much was said, as they were more agreeably engaged; their lips battled for supremacy while their hands roamed in exploration of their torsos. Darcy dared to reach lower to hold Anne's posterior, pulling her even tighter against him. Before the lust veered out of control, Anne broke the spell over them laying her head against Darcy's wildly beating heart.
"Why did I ever want to wait until spring to be married?" she gasped.
"If you had capitulated to my suggestion, we would be married by now and instead of having to steal these moments alone. I fear if we keep this up, I will disgrace myself."
"When we are together like this, part of me wants you to do just that. Then the rational side intervenes and we are left putting our clothing to rights. Oh Fitzwilliam, this will be a long three months."
And so it was. The two lovers had to content themselves with letters for the first two months until Darcy was able to return to Kent. Along the way he stopped to collect Georgiana from her school. She would return there after the wedding.
The weather still held remnants of winter, but the days were not so cold that Anne was unable to resume her tours of the estate. She knew every inch of Rosings, both inside the noble house and outside in its grand park. Anne was aware that she would not be spending much time here any more. Her place would be at Pemberley. Yes, they would return to her childhood home, but only for a short time each year. How long until she would start to forget the way to the secluded glen where she and her beloved nearly lost all their restraint? Years down the road, would she still be able to find the spot where Fitzwilliam proposed and sealed their fate with love's first kiss?
Maggie found Anne sitting on a log under the canopy of the massive trees that populated the grove.
"Miss Anne! There you are. Your mother has requested your presence."
"Mrs. Stuart! What are you doing here? Could not another servant come to find me?"
"Yes, but I wanted to come for you." Maggie tipped Anne chin up. "You look sad, child. Whatever for? You marry tomorrow. Are you having doubts over your choice?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
Anne smiled at her old friend. She would miss Maggie's calming presence.
"Dear Mrs. Stuart. However would I have managed without you? No, fear not, I am very excited to be marrying Mr. Darcy." Anne's face took on a dreamy look. "I love him so very much. My mood comes from the realization that when the sun sets tomorrow, nothing will ever be the same."
"The changes have already begun, child. It was inevitable. You are a grown woman, Miss Anne de Bourgh, no longer the little girl who cried for old Maggie when she scraped her knee."
"I did that rather regularly, if I recall correctly." Anne had a wistful look on her face.
Maggie laughed. "You were always involved in some mischief, that is why you were so adorable." She stepped closer. "Looking at you now, I see a beautiful woman in the bloom of her femininity. Think fondly on the past and look to the future with anticipation."
"How did you become so wise so young?" Anne said fondly.
"Miss, if you serve a woman like your mother for as long as I have, you get many opportunities to learn a few things."
Anne laughed. "I have never understood why Mama has allowed such impertinence from you. She certainly would dismiss any other servant."
"You do know I would never say such a thing in front of any one but you."
"Or her."
"...Or my mistress, but only when she needs to hear it from me. Lady Catherine and I came to an understanding long ago. She knows she has my complete loyalty and thus allows me to speak my mind occasionally, but never in front of other servants. They can be the worst gossips."
"Worse than the fine ladies of the ton?"
"Nearly. The Quality must have their vices."
"Of which there are many." Anne became reflective again. "I will miss our talks, Mrs. Stuart. You have always had time to listen to me."
"I will still be here when you come back to Rosings. I am the only servant who remains from before you were born. If I have served your family for this long, why would I leave now that you are married?"
"Truly? Are there no others from the days when my father was alive?"
"None, Miss. I alone remain. But come, your mother has summoned you and we have delayed long enough."
"Mother always wants to see me. I will be glad when tomorrow is over; there will be no more wedding plans to discuss!"
"Ah, there you are. Where have you been all morning?" demanded Lady Catherine.
"I was walking, as I normally would do on such a fine day."
"I will have to place Mrs. Jenkinson and Stuart as a guard over you in the morning to see that you do not accidentally wander away. Heavens! What would your fiancé think if you were late for your own wedding?"
Anne kissed her mother on the cheek. "I have no intention of going out for a walk in the morning; I have more important things to prepare for."
"Yes, well, it is high time we talk about some of those things. As a married woman you will be expected to... welcome all the attentions of your husband. I will not lie to you as my own mother did. It can be unpleasant and painful, especially the first time. There will be blood, but you must not complain. It will be over soon enough and then you can send him to his own chambers."
Lady Catherine went on to explain the activity in more detail. Anne listened attentively, though what her mother told her was not much more than she already knew. There had been that one morning in the glen a few weeks ago when she and Fitzwilliam had nearly gone too far. She knew the differences between a man and a woman and how they would come together to make a child. Only her soon-to-be husband's sense of honor had kept them from experiencing this already. It had led to some awkwardness between the two of them, but as always, good sense won out and they had talked about what had happened, and what would happen when they were safely man and wife. Since then, Anne had looked forward to it.
However, it saddened Anne that her mother had obviously not had any good experiences with her father. Perhaps that was why she was an only child.
"Do you have any questions for me?" Lady Catherine asked when she had finished her lecture.
"No, you have done an admirable job of being honest with me about what to expect."
"I am sorry to disappoint you with the realities of your duty."
"I will be fine, Mother. I know how to manage my husband," Anne said, trying to reassure her mother. It was not often Anne saw Lady Catherine look so forlorn.
Lady Catherine replied skeptically, "Let us hope so."
Fitzwilliam Darcy handed his bride into the awaiting carriage. All of their family stood outside Rosings to wish them well. The wedding had been lovely, though Anne was a little worried about her aging parson, Mr. Lawton. The spry old gentleman was able to perform the service with a clear voice, but he did have a little difficulty standing without the aid of the pulpit to hold. After she and her new husband had signed the register, they had returned to Rosings for a wonderful wedding breakfast. Anne Darcy thought her mother never looked so joyful.
Many of the servants had turned out to watch their young mistress leave her home as well. Anne was truly loved by them and she would be missed. Their consolation was her promise to return to spend part of the year at her childhood home. The estate was now completely hers and her husband's. Upon the marriage, the trust that oversaw her inheritance had ended. Fitzwilliam and Anne Darcy were the new master and mistress of Rosings; Lady Catherine de Bourgh was merely their representative now. She would continue to rule over the great house, and everyone expected nothing much to change in the daily running of the household, but her word was no longer the final decree. That privilege now belonged to Mrs. Anne Darcy.
Despite the change in circumstances, two women were very happy and very much relieved. For so long, both had lived in anticipation of this momentous day. Lady Catherine watched with pleasure as her new son-in-law took his bride away. Maggie Stuart too looked at the scene with fondness. Each had the same thought as the carriage drove away.
If, in spite of all their careful planning, the truth of Anne's birth came to light, she would be safe. Fitzwilliam Darcy would stand by his wife.
Chapter 15
Posted on Wednesday, 16 April 2008
March, 1811
The Darcys traveled to Kent to spend six weeks leading up to Easter with Lady Catherine. The plans for the spring plantings were in the possession of Pemberley's capable steward. Darcy himself would see to things at Rosings. His supervision of his wife's estate began shortly after their marriage. While Anne's steward had done an admirable job, Darcy felt there was more to be gained by his personal attention. He was also unafraid to invest capital in the tenant cottages to retain and attract better people to work the land for them. All of this was done with Anne's knowledge and approval. She too felt a responsibility to those who lived within the confines of the estate.
Anne and Fitzwilliam spent final three weeks of the visit seeing to things before departing for London. They would not remain in Town for the Season as they had the year previous. Anne was expecting her first child and her husband had determined that his heir would be born in Derbyshire. They meant only to stay long enough to settle Georgiana and do a little shopping for Anne. Pemberley waited.
Just after the first of the year, after consultation with his cousin Andrew Fitzwilliam, Darcy had removed Georgiana from her school. The decision was not a hasty one. Georgiana had never outgrown her shyness, and her tendency toward reserve did not serve her well amongst her peers in school. That is not to say she did not have friends -- she did. Unfortunately, those to whom she gravitated were as soft-spoken as the young Miss Darcy and were no match for the more outgoing, and vindictive, young ladies who also resided at the august establishment. Georgiana was teased relentlessly as they willfully mistook her timidity for hubris. Such a gentle soul as Georgiana bore it as well as she could, but Anne and her brother detected her reluctance to return to school and discovered the true situation. Georgiana had stayed at Pemberley and Fitzwilliam promised to find a companion who could stay with her in Town so that she would have access to all the masters she wished.
He spent several months looking for a woman to live with Georgiana, and finally settled on the Widow Younge. Her husband had died, leaving her a house in a fashionable part of London but little else. There was enough income from the interest from her dowry to survive, but Mrs. Younge was looking for means to supplement her barely adequate portion. It seemed a perfect situation; Miss Darcy could stay in Town and Mrs. Younge could keep her house. Whatever misgivings Darcy may have had about Georgiana living away from the Darcy Townhouse were allayed by the refined manners of her new companion and the promise of Georgiana's other guardian to call on the girl frequently.
Anne had arranged to visit her favorite modiste with Georgiana and her new companion. She was increasing and constantly complained about her wardrobe. It seemed nothing fit the way it was supposed to and the only solution was to order new gowns that would accommodate her increased bosom and have room for her newly expanding girth.
Darcy knew better than to go shopping with the women; instead he went to his club. He had not been there much of late. Since he and Anne had returned to Pemberley after the last Season, they had hardly even been to London.
He greeted many acquaintances upon his entrance. One person in particular caught his notice and he made his way over to his friend.
"Darcy!" Bingley said in surprise. He stood and they shook hands. "Care to join me?"
"I would be delighted."
After they were seated, Darcy ordered something to drink.
"I had not heard you were in Town. Is Mrs. Darcy with you?"
"She is shopping with my sister." Both wrinkled their noses at the thought of being forced to endure a day with the ladies in the shops.
"I believe Caroline and Louisa are similarly occupied. I should not be surprised if they were to meet."
"Are Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley in good health?"
"They are well, thank you."
"Your younger sister remains unmarried? I would have thought she would have found a gentleman to wed by now."
"Yes, well..." Bingley shifted uncomfortably. "She has yet to find the right man; only had the one Season, you know. Caroline has high hopes for this year."
Darcy nodded. Charles had not gained the upper hand in his family and now he was paying the price of another Season. Caroline Bingley had made it through two Little Seasons and one full Season without a single offer she deemed acceptable. If Bingley did not have better luck, he would be paying for another year's worth of the latest finery for his sister.
"You will remain in Town?" Bingley asked hopefully. "I should like to introduce you to Miss Cheatham."
"And how long have you known this Miss Cheatham?"
"About a month now. She is a most lovely woman."
"Hmmm, if I had arrived a week ago you would have proclaimed her the most beautiful woman you had ever beheld."
"Well..."
"And if I had come a week from today, you would already have fallen out of love with this creature."
"That is a bit harsh now, Darcy."
"But true. Honestly, I should stay in Town just to make sure you do not do something foolish. However, Anne and I leave in a few days for Pemberley."
"I was certain you would stay. Last year Mrs. Darcy was quite the hostess."
Darcy smiled at the memory of his wife's triumphs. "Yes, but we cannot tarry in Ton."
"Nonsense!"
"Bingley," Darcy leaned forward and spoke quietly. "Anne is with child and we do not wish to risk staying in the city. The air in Derbyshire is better. After the last time...we will not jeopardize the health of the child."
"The last time?"
"We had thought...but it was not to be."
"I am very sorry to hear that, Darcy. I had no idea."
"Not many know. I trust your discretion."
"You can be assured of my secrecy. Of course you must take your wife to Pemberley. I shall miss your wise counsel."
"Just do not propose to a woman until you find yourself in love for at least 2 months complete and you will be safe from an imprudent match."
Another voice answered him. "Giving our young friend advice again, Darcy?"
"Sir John! Anne will be delighted to hear I saw you."
"Please give Mrs. Darcy my compliments. I had meant to call in a day or two."
"You should call as soon as you can; we will not stay in London much longer."
"Then I will come tomorrow."
"I shall tell her. She will be delighted."
After Darcy and Anne had married, Darcy had, in spite of himself, become good friends with Sir John Whitby. The two made an odd pair due to their great difference in height, but Darcy soon found that though he was a clear head taller than Sir John, he did not tower over the man figuratively. Darcy realized that while Whitby had at one time greatly admired his wife, the man in question now only held Anne in high esteem. He would never dare insinuate himself into the Darcys' lives or attempt to cause discord. Sir John simply wished to be Anne and Darcy's friend. And so he was. In fact, Darcy now considered the little man one of his truest friends.
A fourth joined their party.
"Plaguing the poor unmarried men by rhapsodizing about your wife again, Darcy? Have a little compassion on Whitby, he nearly fell in love with her. Of course, if he had true discernment he would have seen the superiority of my Helena over every other woman."
"de Bourgh! Your wife let you out of the house long enough to visit your club?" Darcy mocked.
"Some of us prefer the company of our spouses over these pitiful excuses for gentlemen."
"I would have hoped your wife would have softened your manners by now. Look what a fine job your cousin did on Darcy," Sir John retorted.
Darcy bowed smartly.
"Anne had less to reform." Arthur laughed; he was always able to admit his faults and thankful that Helena had finally accepted them -- and him. The past seven months since his marriage to the former Miss Simpson had been the happiest of his life. "I have just been to your house, Darcy, to deliver my wife to yours. Anne was just on her way out to visit the shops so my wife decided to join her and the rest of the ladies. Anne mentioned you were here, so I thought I would come and join you."
"Knowing our wives, you are much safer here, than being dragged all over Bond Street."
"Most assuredly! I assumed you would be at Darcy House to keep me company. Then Anne told me you were leaving for Derbyshire in a few days and I understood you would want to take your leave of this place and the friends therein before you headed north. Interestingly enough, we return to Thigston in a few weeks as well."
"You are not staying for the Season either?" Bingley asked.
"No, I much prefer the company of my wife, and since she will be in Surrey, I will be there as well. The diversions of London are less appealing to this old married man. Darcy knows of what I speak."
Sir John snorted. "Darcy never found Town appealing before he was married!"
"And even less so now," Darcy confessed.
"Thus the two married gentleman retire to the country whilst the two eligible bachelors remain in London. What a horrible lot we have drawn, Bingley," Sir John said with his hand over his heart for greater effect. "Perhaps I should return to my estate. If you had one, you could emulate us."
"If only my father had purchased one before he died, I would. Alas, the task is left to me. Someday soon I shall begin to look," Bingley admitted.
"But not during the Season; your sister would not be happy to leave London," Darcy opined.
"Tease me all you want, but someday soon I will be writing to you all, inviting you to a house-party at my own estate. I will even endeavor to write slowly and legibly to see that you do not use that as an excuse to put me off!"
"Charles Bingley promising an effort at good penmanship?" Arthur de Bourgh said in mock amazement. "How could we fail to accede to his request -- since we will actually be able to read his correspondence for a change?"
The men laughed and ordered another round of drinks. They knew not when they would have the chance to meet so informally again.
July was a beautiful month to be in Derbyshire. Anne thought of how much cooler the summer months spent farther north were than the ones she had remembered growing up in Kent. There were few days when the heat was oppressive and in her expectant state, she was thankful that her husband had insisted their heir be born at his ancestral estate.
The beauty of the countryside was a respite from the dreams she had suffered the last few nights. Anne could not remember the content, but she had awakened with a feeling of unease about her dear sister Georgiana. This, of course, was nonsense. Georgiana was in the very capable hands of the impressive Mrs. Younge. The letters that came from Georgiana, and from the friends and family who had called on her, spoke of a happy girl growing in confidence. Hiring the lady to shepherd Georgiana in the completion of her studies while Anne and Darcy were obliged to remain at Pemberley had been a wonderful idea. There was no rational reason to worry; the pair would leave Ramsgate in another fortnight and travel to Pemberley, where Georgiana would remain until after Anne gave birth.
However, rationality and an expectant mother do not always co-exist. Therefore, after more than a week of Anne's worrying over his sister, Fitzwilliam decided it would be best if he left early for Ramsgate to collect her. He would spend a few days at the seaside town and then bring Georgiana back to Anne. It was to be a decision he would never regret.
Anne was surprised that her husband had returned several days before expected. She had come to meet the carriage, anxious to see Fitzwilliam and Georgiana again. What she saw shocked her. Fitzwilliam alighted from the conveyance with a somber look on his face and after he made eye contact with his wife, turned to help his sister out. Anne could hear him coax the young girl to exit the box and wondered why Georgiana was so hesitant to come out. Georgiana always wanted to be the first one out of a coach, but now the girl would not move. Anne waited until Darcy stepped back into the vehicle and picked Georgiana up in his arms. He did not stop walking until he had reached Georgiana's chambers. Anne said nothing as he walked by. She knew something was terribly wrong and hurried behind her husband. Within the safety of the familiar room, Fitzwilliam moved to lay his sister down on her bed. Anne was before him, throwing back the covers.
Georgiana turned away from the two people she loved most and cried, "Please leave me."
Anne was not inclined to comply, but her husband stayed her from sitting down and shook his head, then nodded towards the door.
"Very well, dearest," Anne said to weeping girl, "but if you want me, send for me and I shall come."
The miserable girl nodded and pulled the covers tighter and continued to weep.
Darcy and Anne left and met a worried Mrs. Reynolds outside Georgiana's door.
"I know it is not your normal duty, but I would appreciate it if you would personally attend my sister. She is very upset and I trust only you to hold her confidence."
"I understand, sir. Will Mrs. Younge be coming later?"
"That...woman...is no longer in my employ."
The older servant acknowledged the implication and then left to attend her charge.
"Come, Anne. I have much to tell you."
They walked arm in arm to her rooms, neither speaking a word, though Anne sorely wanted to ask questions.
"It was Wickham," he spat once they were alone. "The cur tried to talk Georgiana into eloping!" Darcy started to pace. "I came upon them walking along the seaside. Wickham was entirely too close to Georgiana to be considered proper and Mrs. Younge was a few paces behind them looking very happy."
"I immediately took Georgiana to her rooms where she told me everything. I wrote to Wickham and he left immediately. I then interviewed Mrs. Younge, who, unknown to us, knew him. She claimed she had only agreed to re-introduce the pair. It was a lie, of course. They must have been planning this... this heinous plot for months, waiting for the right time to put it in place. Her face clearly showed her guilt in the matter. She was too eager to be exonerated, and Georgiana told me she had written to us telling of meeting Wickham again, giving the letters to her companion to post. As you know, we never received the letters and I do not believe Georgiana's missives would ever have been sent!"
Anne was angry with Mrs. Younge, even angrier with George Wickham, and broken-hearted for dear sweet Georgiana. "Has she been this afflicted since Ramsgate?"
"She has barely spoken a word and will not look at me." Darcy was frustrated. Anne intercepted him on his latest excursion over the carpet, placing her hand on his arm.
"Calm down, Fitzwilliam. She is safe. That is all that matters"
"But she is not whole. Where has the laughter gone? Her shyness has returned ten-fold."
"It is still too early. Think of her position. She has just discovered that an old friend was willing to trick her to gain her money through marriage, and the woman we hired to protect her has led her to a wolf. I also suspect she is thoroughly ashamed and blaming herself for being taken advantage of when she knew she was asked to do something wrong."
"Perhaps. Can you speak with her?" he asked hopefully.
"Oh, I will," Anne assured him. "It might not be today, but I shall speak to her."
Georgiana did not emerge from her room for several days. Anne was equally annoyed and worried. On the fourth day when she still did not appear, Anne decided it was time to confront her sister. She took up a tray to Georgiana's room; the child must have nourishment.
"Eat, and then we will talk," Anne said. Georgiana nodded her head once without looking up. When Anne was satisfied that her charge had consumed a sufficient amount, she began to speak about Ramsgate. At first, Georgiana did not want to talk, but Anne gradually helped her relax and she began to speak about Mr. Wickham.
"He seemed just perfect. True, he was a little poor, but I had such fond memories of him from my childhood that money never seemed an insurmountable obstacle. I had enough for both of us, and Anne, he was ever so charming." With that statement, she looked so miserable that Anne was not surprised when Georgiana started crying again.
Anne wrapped her arms around her sister and tried to soothe her. "Shhhh, it is over. Your brother came in time to save you and this will all be forgotten."
"But... I think I am still in love with Mr. Wickham."
Anne tipped the girl's chin up so Georgiana would be forced to look at Anne when she spoke. "Perhaps you are."
"I so wanted what you and Fitzwilliam have. My brother loves you very much, even if you try to hide it from Aunt Catherine. I know better."
"My dear sister. Do you not understand that I was willing to marry your brother before we developed the strong feelings we now possess?"
"You did not marry because it was a love match?"
"We married in spite of it." Anne found a more comfortable position to sit. Being eight months pregnant made that increasingly difficult each day of her confinement. "We discovered that we were well matched and I had the utmost respect for Fitzwilliam. Falling in love was an additional advantage neither of us counted on." Anne patted Georgiana's hand. "I am going to tell you something I have never told anyone else, including my husband."
Georgiana perked up a bit at the prospect of hearing a secret.
"There were only two men during my first Season in Town that I would ever have considered marrying. Oh, there were many who flattered my vanity with pretty words and gallant manners, but there were only two who were interested in me for more than monetary reasons."
"Who?"
"Your brother and Sir John Whitby."
"Sir John Whitby? I thought you were not fond of the man's company when you first met him?
"I was horrified!" Anne laughed. "But I soon found that while Sir John may not have been the most romantic of suitors, he adored me. I felt sorry for him. I now know he wants more from marriage than a large dowry from his wife and I think he thought I was the one who would make him happy. While I could not have accepted him then, his fervent regard, loyalty and kindness eventually overcame the poor first impression he made and I saw that he is a very good man. That is why I am honored to count Sir John among my friends.
"The point is that there are many people, and not just fortune hunting men, who would take advantage of you for your wealth if they could. You should be in no hurry to marry; you are but fifteen years old. Georgiana, remember, I did not make my debut until I was seventeen and a half and I know I was naïve about a great many things, though I could not admit it at the time. Fitzwilliam was very correct to insist I spend the Season without any commitments. I came to appreciate him even more during those months as I compared him against the men I met. In a few more years you will be much more prepared to enter into society and your brother and I will be with you to help you discern the character of the people you meet."
"I would rather stay here at Pemberley and be an aunt to your children."
"By then this little one," Anne put her hand lovingly on her greatly expanded stomach, "will be two years of age, quite spoiled, and no doubt terrorizing the staff. You will want to flee to London for more stimulating and fully grown-up company." Anne laughed. "Now help me up so I can face my duties for the day. Mrs. Reynolds is expecting me and as you know, we must never keep her waiting."
Georgiana assisted her sister to her feet and then pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome. I expect to see you at your place at the next meal."
Georgiana released Anne and stepped a pace back.
"I will. I have been avoiding Fitzwilliam more than anything else," she admitted sheepishly.
Anne arched an eyebrow. "He is more worried about you than anything else."
"I know."
"Then speak to him. The sooner you do, the sooner all of us can move past this."
"I will, I promise. That is, I promise if you promise to rest after you see Mrs. Reynolds."
"As if I have a choice." Anne rolled her eyes. "I love Fitzwilliam, but he can be overly protective of me."
Georgiana stood up a little taller. "Now that I have returned, I will help you."
Anne smiled with fondness for her beloved sister. "I am counting on just that."
On second day of August, in the Year of our Lord, 1811, Anne de Bourgh Darcy began to feel the pains of childbirth. On the third day of August 1811, she delivered a healthy girl. Four weeks later the child was christened Elizabeth Anne Georgiana Darcy in the parish church. Newly promoted Colonel Andrew Fitzwilliam was the godfather and the recovering Georgiana Darcy was the godmother.
Pemberley, and Rosings Park, had an heir.