Beginning, Section II
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Posted on Thursday, 22 June 2000
Julia spent her time thinking and praying, trying to find a way to avoid what she felt was the inevitable conclusion. But she could not. Sadly, she knew what had to be done, what she must do. And it was killing her. When at last Philip returned ten days later, he and Julia stood for a long while embracing, glad to savor their time to together. She pulled away from him and said, "Philip I must speak to you."
He reached for her, "You can express it just as well here in my arms."
She stepped back, "Yes, but I cannot express what needs to be said when I am in your arms."
"Julia? What is wrong?"
"Philip, I'm sorry, we cannot continue like this. It is not right. You know it's not. I'm...." She looked pensive.
"What's not? I don't understand."
"You,...... We cannot be.... lovers." She spoke almost in a whisper. "'Tis not right."
Philip was astonished. "It's not right? It's not right to love you? To be with you?"
"Philip, you are married."
"That has nothing to do with you."
"It has everything to do with me. You took a vow to someone else. This is not right."
"You took a vow also." he reminded her. Philip that was probably the most stupid thing you have ever uttered. "I'm sorry. That was horrible for me to say. I didn't mean....."
Julia started to cry. "James died. I am no longer held by that vow. But you are still married."
"Julia you know better than anyone my marriage is in name only. Caroline and I are NEVER together, I haven't even been to simple social functions with her in years. She's leaving soon for six months. And I hate London. I would much rather be here, with you."
"Even if it IS in name only, we cannot continue." She paused and tried to calm herself. "I wish things could be different. But you cannot be with me every moment. You cannot give me everything, because all I want is to belong to you. I cannot meet your neighbors, your family. I cannot hold up my head with my neighbors, with my family. I want to be your wife."
Philip stood quietly staring at her. "No, I cannot give you my name, only my heart and soul. I'm sorry that is not enough. I never would have expected you to be a gold-digger," he spoke bitterly.
Julia drew herself up and her eyes hardened as she spoke, "That is a foolish statement Philip Darcy. What we did was wrong even in the eyes of God. You are not free to do as you please, you have a wife. I cannot look away or abandon what is right because of my feelings. Neither can you."
"All I know is that I FINALLY found my true love, my soul mate, and she sends me away!" Philip stormed out of the cottage and rode furiously towards his house.
Inside the cottage, Julia wept. Her husband and her true love both lost. I wonder how foolish can one woman get? I've loved HIM for so long... And I throw him away because of my principles. But if I didn't remain true to my beliefs he would not love me, or he would think less of me.
Philip retreated into his own self-pity and anger. The staff tip-toed around him cautiously in fear of his rages. Speculation among them was wild as to why the master was suddenly not himself, and so very angry. Matters did not improve over the next two weeks. Philip just became more and more sullen. He scowled and stomped and swore at anyone who annoyed him, and several who were just unlucky enough to be nearby.
Finally just before she left, Caroline confronted him after supper. She knew they didn't have much of a marriage. The few weeks a year they were in each other's company, they rarely spoke. She certainly ceased to feel anything for Philip long ago, except perhaps a sisterly affection. It was in that capacity she felt she was qualified to confront his behavior, additionally, she was the only person who could or would speak harshly to him. This evening, he had been particularly rude during the meal, he was negligent regarding Pemberley, and Caroline noted, even the staff was afraid of him. It was time for her to get involved.
"Philip.......PHILIP!"
"What."
"Whatever it is, deal with it and stop blaming everyone else."
"What are you referring to?"
"Despite what many people think, I am not a fool. You are behaving terribly."
"What would you know about good behaviour?" he spat.
:She assumed her haughtiest air, "Enough to know one NEVER should be rude to the staff, and one should NEVER SPIT when speaking."
Philip glared at her.
"I also know that you have never been mean to ANYONE, and yet in two weeks you have managed to yell at even the lowest scullery maid. I say this for your own good. Deal with your problem instead of making everyone else pay for it. It is becoming quite tedious." And she swept out of the room.
That night, in his study, after he locked the door, Philip finally began to think about Caroline and what she had said. His problem was Julia. She rejected him. She teased and tempted and then threw him off. The stewards wife told HIM no. But she's not just the steward's wife is she? She is smart, and warm, and loving, and beautiful, and kind, and compassionate and honorable. Everything I'm not. She's everything I've been praying for. WHY can't I have her?? Because you are married, fool. She was right. She was looking out for you honor as well as her reputation. If I believe in God, I cannot go against the commandments. He noticed a book laying on the table, one that he had given her and James to read. And James. How could I have been so stupid! She just lost her husband. Even if she loved me I had no right to...especially so SOON. I should have just left. I am an absolute CAD. Julia, my love, you were right about everything.
Philip sat for a long time in the study with his head buried in his hands.
Revelations seldom make everything all right again. Only hard work, and humility can do that, a little groveling doesn't hurt either. And no one likes to grovel, especially men who have never had the need to.
Philip was too ashamed of his behaviour to attempt to see Julia. For another month he skulked about afraid to see her. By the time he worked up his courage to go see her, he found she was visiting her aunt and uncle Gordon in Lambton. He did not think it wise to go there. She was obviously trying to avoid him. It was still another month before he heard anything more of Julia or tried to see her.
One day a situation, truly was more of a condition than situation, never the less, something developed which forced Philip into action. On the afternoon in question, Philip was in his study when Mrs. Henderson interrupted him.
"Sir, I must speak with you. It's about Mrs. Richardson."
Philip paled Julia. "What about her Mrs. Henderson?"
"She's just back from visiting the Gordon's so I went to see her. I always did like Mrs. Richardson."
Philip coughed.
"Yes sir. Well, Mrs. Richardson is with child, she's about three months along." Seeing Philip just sit silently and pale, she continued, "Sir, James is only gone these three months and now for her to be all alone and find a babe on the way..."
"Thank you Mrs. Henderson." Three months? Is it possible? I wonder if the child is mine? It doesn't really matter does it? Philip noticed Mrs. Henderson hadn't moved. "Yes, Mrs. Henderson?"
"Sir, there's something else. She had such a hard time last time and winter's coming, and she's alone -- I thought perhaps that since you were such good friends with Mr. Richardson perhaps we ought to help her." Mrs. Henderson looked expectantly at him.
"What do you suggest?"
"I think we should send a maid over to help her, or something to make sure James' child and Mrs. Richardson are safe."
"Do you think perhaps we ought to bring her here?"
"I think that would be very generous of you and it would relive my mind to know she is being taken care of."
"Then make a room up Mrs. Henderson. I will go speak to Julia."
Mrs. Henderson left and was halfway down the hall before she realized what he had said, Julia??
Philip had his carriage take him to the cottage, in anticipation of Julia returning with him. She was carrying an armload of wood when he arrived. Leaping from the carriage he rushed over and grabbed the wood, dropping it all in the process.
"Are you insane?" he shouted.
"A pleasure to see you too, Philip," she replied coolly.
"You cannot do this. You should be resting."
"Indeed? And why are you so concerned with a heartless gold digger?"
Philip took a deep breath and took her hands. "Julia, please. I'm sorry. I am so sorry for everything. You were right in what you said. I acted horribly. I wanted to come beg your forgiveness ages ago. And then you were gone. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
There was a long horrible silence while each regarded the other. Finally Julia began to cry.
"Oh, Philip. You don't know how I hated saying all that. I've missed you so much."
"Can we go inside and speak privately?" he said. She nodded. Once inside he took her into his embrace, "Julia, I haven't been right without you." She smiled under his gaze. "What about the baby? Are you feeling well?"
"Mrs. Henderson told you."
"Yes. And I'm glad she did," he said.
"It is true. I am with child." Julia's face glowed as she acknowledged this.
"I'm sorry, I do not want to embarrass you, but is the child mine?"
"James."
"Are you, how can you be sure?"
"Philip. I cannot tell. It is equally possible that the child is yours as well as James. But James must be the acknowledged father. Mrs. Henderson is convinced and I hope everyone else is too. No one suspects that you and I were...intimate."
"Why all this?" He looked perplexed.
"You once accused me of being a gold-digger. I have forgiven you, but there are others who would say such things in earnest and spite if I were to claim the child is yours. I do not want my child to be branded a bastard. If James is the father, the child will have a name and respectability. You cannot give us that." She said this gently, trying not to hurt him.
Philip hung his head, "No, I cannot. But I can and will take care of you and the child. It's the least I can do. You are moving to Pemberley."
"Philip no. Thank you. You are the sweetest and gentlest of men. I cannot leave my home." He started to protest as she continued. "Please, it would look bad. If I moved in, too many people might start to gossip. A young widow moves into Pemberley just as the lady of the house goes on an extended continental tour? That is begging the gossips to tell tales. I am trying hard to be honorable and to protect your reputation and mine. I want you to take care of me, of us...but here."
Julia cherished the times he could come. He would bring her supper and then stay and hold her until she slept. They did no more, not even a kiss, although each night he held her close as she slept, and just before he would leave, Philip would kiss her brow. She never told him that each night in her dreams, he was able to stay. He never mentioned that in her sleep she asked him to stay.
Stay
She did not know how desperately he wanted to be able to stay. He couldn't risk her reputation by staying the night. He did seriously contemplate divorce, but couldn't bring that kind of scandal down on either Julia or Caroline. It would be wrong to hurt either of them. How was he going to make this right?
He was unable to give the most perfect woman he had ever beheld the one thing she asked for, his name.
What had he done to God that this was his punishment? For there could be no worse hell than to have his heart break night after night.
When did he lose control? He wondered with a small laugh if he ever even had control? Ironically, at one point he was confident that he had control over everything. He thought that he had taken control of his own life, that he was master of his life, his destiny.
God must be laughing at him, at his arrogance. The arrogant presumption that HE had control of his life was shattered. He had found his soul's mate and yet it was wrong to have her, she couldn't be his wife. He had no control, only pain and love. Somewhere, somehow, he needed to make this right. No, he needed God to make this right, he would just muck it up.
3 In March Julia decided to have her cousin Susan stay until after the child came. Philip reluctantly stayed away, stopping by but not staying as he had. He found out Susan was a pleasant, but not overly bright, young girl of about seventeen. Her gentle, practical nature made her very useful as Julia became unable to do more and more, and Susan was delighted to be of help to Julia, in part she was delighted to be somewhere quieter than her parents noisy house. As the oldest of nine children Susan was very experienced with caring for others and now enjoyed the opportunity to sit quietly in the evenings and read while Mr. Darcy visited. After a time, Susan developed quite a liking for the handsome, considerate master of Pemberley. Mr. Darcy always inquired after her health and had a kind word for her efforts with Julia. She thought her cousin was extremely lucky to live in near a caring landlord. Many would have turned Julia out after her husband died and she was found to be with child. ?Thank God Julia will have James child to remind her of him. It's a good thing Mr. Darcy takes care of everyone. He's almost as good at it as James was."
Julia's pregnancy progressed with none of the problems she experienced with her last one, thanks to the care and nurturing of Susan, Mrs. Henderson, and Mr. Darcy. The month of May arrived and with it came the expected baby's arrival.
Philip arrived earlier than usual to find no one answering his knock. From within the house he heard a cry of pain and being the concerned man that he was, flung open the door. Julia was sitting in a chair, her face scrunched in pain.
"Julia" he cried.
Julia's face relaxed as the pain subsided "The baby..... Susan went for the midwife."
Philip was genuinely panic-stricken, as men often are when confronted with a woman in unbearable pain and no relief in sight. Julia realised she would need to tell him what to do.
"Philip, can you carry me to the bedroom?"
She was an easy burden for him, he would not have thought differently anyway. Philip tried to make her comfortable until Susan and Mrs. Harper arrived.
Mrs. Harper politely told him to go home. He went and sat on the porch.
Many hours later, in the early hours of the morning, Mrs. Harper came outside.
"Mr. Darcy!"
Philip awoke with a start. "How is everything?"
"Fine. Mrs. Richardson had a girl. You were here all night?"
"I fell asleep." he admitted sheepishly.
She smiled at him, "I'll return in a few days to check on the mother and child. Right now they need to rest."
"Thank you, for everything. How are you getting home?"
"Mr. Harper will be along shortly. When he dropped us off last night I told him to return early this morning."
Philip tentatively entered the house surprising Susan.
"Mr. Darcy! We were not expecting you to return so soon."
"I, um never left. I fell asleep outside." Susan Gordon looked shocked, but he continued, "May I see Ju..Mrs. Richardson before I go?"
"I'll check sir." She left and returned to lead him to the bedroom.
"Susan would you please go make some breakfast, I'm famished." Julia said.
"Julia...." Philip was full of emotion, she looked so tired and yet so beautiful.
"You're here so early. Did you go home?"
"I sat outside."
"But why?"
"Julia how can you ask that?" Philip sat down next to her bedside. "I love you. I had to know that you and the baby were safe."
"Oh, That is so sweet. You are the most wonderful man. Thank you." she smiled weakly. The baby started to fuss. "I need to feed her. Will you bring her to me?"
Philip was momentarily frozen at the request. Under Julia's careful guidance, he picked the baby up and studied her carefully. "She's beautiful. I think she is the most beautiful baby ever. She has dark hair like yours." Julia smiled, knowing Philip had no experience with babies and thus no way of telling whether or not she was beautiful. Still, she was pleased with his approbation. Just like a proud Papa she thought.
"What's her name?" he asked.
"Sarah Elizabeth Richardson. Now go home. You need to rest."
In a burst of emotion, he kissed her soundly and announced "I love you Julia." He left behind a rather surprised Julia and an even more shocked Susan Gordon, who promptly told several of her friends what she had witnessed.
Posted on Friday, 23 June 2000
Julia tried valiantly to dismiss Philip's declaration, and begged Susan not make too much if it. But to a seventeen year old girl who was longing for her own love, such a display, and by MR. DARCY was the most delicious, ultimately, beyond compare, romantic dream. And she had witnessed it!
Susan became the envy of her friends, for what silly girl, indeed even some not so silly girls as well, which of them did not have a dream of a handsome man declaring his love? Susan was prevailed upon to tell the story often, eliciting heavy sighs and much longing from each of the girls.
Eventually, at some point others began to hear the story. Perhaps it was one of the girls who told an older sister, who passed it along to other women, who passed it to their husbands and neighbors. Perhaps some nosy lady overheard the girls giggling at the story, and then passed it along to her sister, who told the millner's wife, who mentioned it at an assembly. It matters little how the story of Philip and Julia's kiss began to spread. It is only important that like any tale, it became exaggerated and enlarged until it was a full rumour of a long standing torrid, passionate affair, with only a little bit of truth. It wasn't long before these rumours began to circulate in earnest.
At first they were quiet whispers in Lambton, and then around Pemberley, until soon the high and low of Derbyshire all had a version to tell. There was some grain of truth in all of it. Certainly Philip had spent a great deal of time there after James Richardson died. Some said it was possible that she had been unfaithful to James. Some women, jealous that Mr. Darcy was linked with Julia Richardson and not them, twisted the tales just enough so that it was told that Julia had enticed Philip and was using him to gain Pemberley. She was insinuating herself in as mistress of Pemberley while he sent his poor wife to Italy to get rid of her.
As rumours often do the tale grew with time and telling and by the time London society had heard, Philip and Julia had been carrying on for years. In fact Clarissa Washington had been at Pemberley two years ago and confirmed that Philip was unusually attentive to the steward and his wife. Clarissa proudly proclaimed she remembered how the steward's little wife was extremely rude and even had the gall to approach Philip in front of her and Caroline, and drag him off for some emergency.
She said I tried to warn Philip and Caroline about the dangers of this woman, but to no avail. And now look what happened, poor, poor Caroline forced to flee to Italy. Why that baby is undoubtedly Philip's.
Had Caroline returned from her trip when she had originally intended, the rumours might not have grown so extensive. Caroline's presence in London and Pemberley would have discouraged some of the rampant speculation, after all it is a bit more difficult to gossip when the subject is standing near you. But Caroline extended her stay, saying she felt no compulsion to return as planned. This naturally added fuel to the fire:
Caroline Darcy is refusing to return until her husband gets rid of that trollop and her brat.....
Philip told Caroline to stay away from Pemberley .........
Poor Caroline's in hiding, she can't bear to show her face after what that husband of hers did......
Julia was soon shunned by many at Pemberley and in Lambton, not that she cared but it was inconvenient and irksome to have shopkeepers laugh behind her back. The worst was having people doubt her fidelity to James and when some began to question Sarah's parentage, Julia became reclusive.
Mrs. Miller remained one of the few who would visit Julia. She was one of the few tenants who was not jealous, and who had benefited from both the Richardsons' and Philip's kindness, so she was predisposed to believe in Julia. It was on one of these visits, Julia admitted there was some truth to what was being said.
"My dear, I had no idea. He really kissed you?!"
"Yes, and he said he loved me." Julia smiled, "Until that moment I had no idea of the depth of his feelings. I'm overwhelmed by the whole thing."
"Well certainly. It's not every day a married man, whose wife is on a holiday, is moved to make a public declaration to a widow who has just given birth to her late husband's child." Mary Miller laughed.
"MARY! You make it sound so absurd." cried Julia.
"Well, isn't it? If not absurd, certainly unique. It is a pity so many are willing to doubt his goodness. It seems as if they have all forgotten how much Mr. Darcy has done for all of us. A gentle heart and profession of love is not enough to equal gold-digging, seduction, illegitimacy, and illicit liaisons." She chuckled again.
"Don't forget exiling his wife to Italy. I'm responsible for that too." Julia was glad to laugh about it. It had been far too long since she had seen this in a good light.
"My, my, my...you have been busy haven't you?" Mary Miller winked. "You will let me know before you raze Pemberley and install yourself as Regent won't you?"
Julia was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. "Oh Mary, thank you. I haven't been able to laugh like this in a while." Julia composed her self and continued, "It does my heart good to know a few people do not take stock in all this. Did I tell you my Aunt Gordon has asked me to stay away from her house?" Mary looked surprised as Julia continued, "She's afraid I've corrupted Susan." Julia sighed. "My own family thinks I'm capable of breaking my marriage vows and all these horrible machinations."
"Chin up deary. Somehow this will all work out. I have faith it will."
"Thank you Mary. But I don't see how."
Another problem arose from all this. Julia's reputation was much maligned by there rumours and some unscrupulous men, while drinking in the company of other men, lewdly suggested they might be an acceptable substitute for Philip Darcy, or at least that she ought to show them the same consideration. Much of this was stupid bragging and boasting, but at least one man was moved to act up it.
Julia had taken Sarah and walked to Lambton for supplies. The day was hot, even for July, and on their way home Julia sat down for a rest. It happened that Joe Walker drove by in his wagon and offered her a lift home. Julia politely refused. All of Lambton knew that Joe had a tendency to drink a bit much, Julia preferred not to give the gossips any more fuel for the fire.
Once at home Julia put Sarah down to play and went to fetch wood for the fire. Joe was waiting by the wood pile. He came up behind her.
"Mr. Walker." Julia was suspicious, and he definitely stank.
"Now Julia, you can spare something for an old friend can't you." he leered and pressed close to her.
She grimaced and wrinkled her nose, "You have never been my friend, sir."
"I hear you're pretty friendly with everyone."
"You heard incorrectly. Now release me."
Julia twisted to get away, but Joe Walker was determined and held her tightly. Annoyed she pushed him hard. When he reached for her again she reached up to strike him and raked her nailed across his face. He yelled and cursed and let go. Julia ran to the house as he rained curses upon her and her family. She didn't care what he said so long as he was outside and the door was locked. Just to be sure Joe stayed out, she pushed a table against the door.
When Philip stopped by that evening he found the table up against the door and Julia skittish. As she told him about Joe, her self-control gave way, and Julia sobbed as she grieved about Joe, the rumours and all the slander, and the hopeless futility of loving Philip Darcy.
Philip held her and comforted her. He had never seen Julia frightened, it shook him deeply and he resolved to take care of Julia and Sarah no matter what anyone said. That night he slept in the sofa. It would the first of many nights he slept on that sofa, but at least Julia was safe. It was a difficult time for both of them. And just when things began to calm down, Caroline wrote, she was finally coming home.
Caroline Darcy was returning to Pemberley. She had of course heard all of the rumours. Several of her "good friends" had seen to it that they wrote to her about Philip's scandalous affair and they simply had to relate the details in full. She viewed the situation with detachment, the rumours were not the reason she was coming home.
Caroline was, in fact, coming home to die. She wrote him about her illness, and Philip, naive good-hearted man that he was, insisted she come to back to Pemberley for the end. Whilst she had do desire to be in the midst of Philip's liaisons, she was equally disinclined to die amongst strangers. And when her traveling companions expressed a certain disdain at caring for her during the end, she felt dying at Pemberley would be her best option. At least she would die and be buried at home.
But it was not to be. The ship was caught in a storm and sank off of the coast of France. She did not survive. It would be another month before Philip could receive accurate confirmation of Caroline's death, and still longer before he had her body brought home to bury.
Thus it was, defying the conventional mourning period, two months after Caroline died, Philip took Julia and Sarah for a walk. As they climbed to the top of a hill they could see Pemberley in the distance. The sight was breathtaking. The grand house surrounded by and in harmony with nature. The autumn leaves blazed as the evening sun lit them up, casting a warm glow on everything.
It was in this perfect setting that Philip Darcy proposed marriage. Kneeling before Julia, and while balancing Sarah on his knee, he declared his love and asked for her hand. Julia accepted, Sarah gurgled.
With his heart bursting in joy Philip began to talk about bringing them to Pemberley, introducing them to society, when Julia stopped him.
"Philip, I once told you all I wanted was your name. Do you remember?" He nodded as Julia continued, "I meant that. I have no desire to be mistress of Pemberley. I don't want 'Society' and its grandeur."
"You are just afraid. It's the gossip. It won't matter. Everyone will love you." He spoke as only a man violently in love could, who could blindly think that the rumours would not follow or worsen if they married. Philip was optimistic, and while Julia loved him for it, she wanted to protect herself and Sarah from more slander.
"No, I like my quiet life, my home and taking care of my daughter. I would not be happy as mistress of Pemberley."
Philip looked stunned. They stood together in the setting sun not saying anything. Finally he spoke, "I see...not happy."
"Philip." It was a warning. "I love you and I want to be your wife, but you must see I don't fit into the life you're imagining. Those ladies of society would make my life miserable. Just listen to the rumours now. Some people have actually shunned me! And not just the gentility, but other tenants too. My own family will not admit me into their home. How could I be a good mistress if everyone looks down on me." She spoke more gently now, "It is not just me. What will happen to Sarah as she grows? There will always be someone who remembers the rumours about her father. We cannot do this to her."
"Julia, what are you suggesting?"
"Live in the cottage with me. Don't make me mistress of Pemberley, let me stay a simple wife."
"Lower myself? I don't think it can be done. I can't be less than I am either."
"But you, yourself haven't fit into society for years. Except for a few dinner invitations you don't even socialize with you neighbors. You never go to London unless it's business. When is the last time you attended a season?"
"Actually, I don't remember."
Philip looked thoughtful. Julia wisely left him to his thoughts until after several minutes Sarah began to cry. "I must go, she is getting hungry and tired," she said.
Suddenly, Philip kissed her. "You are right. We would not be happy." He kissed her again, this time slowly and with promise. "I will be back in three days. Do not fear." And he walked off across the field.
Three days later
"You are insane!!" Edmund Darcy was shouting at his brother as he paced. Though younger, he was taller and generally more handsome than his elder brother. "This idea...It won't work. People will think you are insane."
"Edmund sit down." barked Philip in a commanding voice. Edmund sat next to Mr. Newcombe, the family solicitor. Whether it was the tone Philip used, or an automatic response from a younger brother mattered not, Edmund sat and listened. "I am not insane. If you will refrain from stomping about I will explain it, again."
"Oh I understand the plan you propose. I simply think it won't work."
"I have thought this through. For three days I have done nothing but plan and think. This is the best way for everyone. We will sign the papers and announce it at dinner tonight."
That afternoon Julia received a note from Philip.
My Love,Come to the house tonight for supper.
Bring Sarah along. I have important
news which you and Sarah must share
in. I'll await you this evening.Philip
Julia dressed with trepidation. There was no telling what Philip was about to do, but she hoped it was good.
She was further surprised that evening when the Darcy carriage arrived for her. The footman handed her another note.
Julia,I wanted your journey to be comfortable so
I took the liberty of sending my carriage
for you.Be patient my love and soon you will know all.
At the house she was warmly greeted by Philip and escorted to the parlor. Julia suddenly realised that in her selfishness she was asking a great deal from Philip. How could she ask him to give up this house where he had spent his whole life. Philip was the third generation to own Pemberley and she was asking him to discard it for her. Julia suddenly felt very unworthy of Philip.
In the parlor, Philip asked Rose, one of the maids, to take the sleeping baby and Edmund's son Stephen, upstairs.
Julia was seated near Edmund's wife Isabelle. She was a very pleasant lady who had the good fortune to marry for love and keep a happy home. She immediately, upon introduction, proceeded to befriend Julia and put her at ease. Nearby were Edmund Darcy and a man who was introduced as Philip's solicitor, Mr. Newcombe. Also in attendance were Philip and Edmund's aunt and uncle James Darcy, their daughter Augusta and her husband Edward Gates, and Pemberley's nearest neighbors and the primary family in Derbyshire, the newly-made Earl and Countess of Matlock.
Philip called for everyone's attention and addressed the assembled crowd.
"My family and friends, my heart is full tonight as I unveil plans which will forever alter our family and neighborhood. As you may already know, I have proposed marriage to this lovely woman, Mrs. Julia Richarson, but there are certain circumstances which needed to be addressed before she would accept me.
"I have finally come up with what I feel is an equitable solution. After much work and prayer, Edmund and I have worked out an arrangement with the help of Mr. Newcombe. As of the date of our marriage, Pemberley will belong to Edmund and Isabelle to be passed to their son Stephen and through his line." The company gasped at this but Philip continued.
"Shortly before his death my father purchased an estate in the south from a distant cousin of my mother's who had fallen into debt. My father willed it to Edmund as part of his inheritance. Willowbrook is a small estate, there is not much land, but it is a good place to live. Edmund's records assure me the estate is in excellent condition, financially and physically. This is where I intend for Julia, Sarah and I to live. We have agreed upon a settlement of 60,000 pounds and Willowbrook in exchange for Pemberley. The family jewelry will go to Edmund and Isabelle, save for this set of pearls from Grandmother Darcy. These I intend to bestow upon Julia as a wedding gift."
Before she could speak, Philip knelt beside Julia, "I'm sorry to do all of this so publicly, but will you NOW marry me? I know Willowbrook is not your cottage, but there are no tenants, and only a small village nearby," he spoke softly now, "It's a good two days away, and no one knows us there. We would be a family."
"You!....You are giving up all this for me? Why? It doesn't make sense?" She was crying. Philip gently brushed her tears away with his fingers. He hoped these tears were a good sign. She continued to speak, "You would be losing all of this...."
"No, I am gaining you in place of this. I assure you, Julia, I have lost nothing and gained everything."
The wedding was a quiet joyous affair, much like the rest of their lives actually. There were of course many who would not ever understand why Philip Darcy would give up everything - power, prestige, status, for a simple country widow. And there were others who were aghast that the same widow would refuse to be elevated and would rather continue her simple life. But these speculators mattered little to Philip and Julia. Those who were admitted into their social circle declared that in actuality Philip and Julia gave up very little in comparison to the joy they gain with each other.
"Then Pemberley came down to you through Stephen Darcy, your great-grandfather?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes."
"What ever happened to Philip and Julia? Did they have any children?" she asked.
"No, but Philip would have been the only father Sarah knew."
Fitzwilliam noticed a familiar gleam in Elizabeth's eyes, she was up to something. That look always preceded something she thought was amusing.
"What happened to Sarah?" Elizabeth's voice was beginning to get excited.
"She eventually married a gentleman. Willowbrook was sold after Philip and Julia passed away."
"Whom did she marry?"
"Sarah? I have no idea, but I believe it's recorded in the family Bible."
Elizabeth looked it up. "She married Theodore Michaels of Willowbrook, Bath. There's no more information after that."
Elizabeth began to laugh.
"Dearest why is this important? Elizabeth... Elizabeth, will you please tell me what you find so amusing?" Fitzwilliam asked.
"Just a moment." She hurried out of the room and returned a few minutes later with a box and a letter.
"My father just sent this to me. In fact, I received it yesterday." She showed him the box. "It belonged to his mother and should have gone to Jane when she married. Traditionally it goes to the eldest daughter upon her wedding."
"Then why is he sending it to you and why now? We've been married several months. And what is it?"
"Patience, Fitzwilliam. I am just beginning to understand myself. Listen to what my father wrote: I believe you and my ancestors will forgive me for breaking tradition and will understand why I felt you should have this. You should know that when I told Jane the history of the necklace it was her idea to give it to you.
"Elizabeth, what is he talking about?" Fitzwilliam was perplexed at Elizabeth's growing excitement.
"He continues: This necklace was originally given to my great-grandmother Julia by her second husband when they married. They gave it to her daughter Sarah when she married.....
Elizabeth glanced at him with that look in her eye as she read the next words,
"She married Theodore Michaels of Bath. "
Fitzwilliam sat shocked until Elizabeth opened the box and revealed a beautiful pearl necklace. Neither of them spoke for a minute, then Elizabeth finished the letter,
"My dearest Lizzy, if my reasoning for giving this to you is still a mystery, I suggest you investigate your husband's lineage as well as the clasp of the necklace. I found this all very diverting myself, especially considering the general opinion of our "low" family connections."
There on the clasp was an engraved letter D.
"It can't be," he said. "Do you really think..."
Elizabeth began to giggle.
"There has always been a family legend which says that Sarah was really my Uncle Philip's child." He thought for a moment, "Elizabeth do you realize if Philip was Sarah's father, then we are.... we are actually .....fourth cousins?" Fitzwilliam suppressed a chuckle.
"At the least we are distantly related by marriage. I think my connections are improving, don't you?" she asked cheekily.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth laughed heartily now.
"Indeed I do.
"Never would I have suspected," he said finally.
"It's amazing. Are you pleased?" she asked.
"I'm astounded." He wrapped his arms around her and held her. Then he remembered, "You know the old cottage still stands. Would you like to see it?"
"Oh, yes. Can we go tomorrow?"
He looked serious for a minute and then smiled, "Elizabeth, I always knew you belonged Pemberley here. Everyday since I married you I am more and more convinced that somehow you were meant to be here."