8. Chapter 8
17 January, 1819
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Dearest Husband,
Today our son is two years of age. Young Bennet has been a delight to us both, but one of the greatest delights of his young life has been sharing it with you. Having felt your child growing within me as I have, I cannot imagine marrying for anything other than the truest of affection. I cannot imagine carrying and birthing the babe of a man I do not hold in the highest esteem, yet we are surrounded by couples who have done just that. It astounds me.
Now, for my news! My love, you are to once again be a father, likely in midsummer. I have a feeling this babe is a girl, but of course I cannot be certain. What think you of Elinor or Arabella if I am correct? If it is a boy, we must of course call him Richard for your cousin or we shall never hear the end of it! I am also fond of Amelia and Clara for a girl.
Before you ask, I shall tell you that I am feeling quite well. I am full of energy and my stomach has not been upset at all, a small mercy I am more than a little grateful for. I feel strong and energetic, and I am certain all will be well.
All my love,
Your Elizabeth
18 January, 1819
Pemberley, Derbyshire
Elizabeth!
That was sneaky of you, hiding your letter away in my desk drawer. You must have wondered why I said nothing last night, but I did not know then that you are carrying our daughter.
You may think this odd, but I agree that the babe is a girl, for I had the strangest dream last week. You know I generally do not remember my dreams, but this one was so vivid it was impossible to forget. It was a little in the future—Bennet looked only slightly bigger than he is now—and I was playing with a little girl. She had your curls and your smile, and she had a mischievousness about her that assured me she was yours. I tossed her up into the air as Bennet likes me to do, and she squealed with glee. You watched on with a smile as you played a game with Bennet, a happy family enjoying a sunny afternoon in the garden.
I cannot wait to meet her. You have made me very happy, my heart. I believe I have been remiss in telling you that lately. I am enamored of our little family and I am so very grateful to you for the gift of fatherhood.
All my love,
Your Devoted Husband
19 January, 1819
Fitzwilliam, if that is how you will react every time I give you good news, I will be certain to tell you of it more often. Just thinking of last night flushes my cheeks and takes my breath away. Promise me you will never stop loving me with such passion and vigor. I could not bear it were I to lose your affection and desire.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
You will never lose my affection, nor could you possibly cease stirring my blood. The very thought is abominable to me. My desire belongs to you and to you alone. Always.
FD
27 June, 1819
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Dear Husband,
Come home and meet your daughter. She came sooner than planned, but she could not be stopped. She will be formidable, I can already tell. From beginning to end, it was all completed in less than four hours, and all in time for breakfast. I am well; so well I am sitting at my desk writing you a letter! But I would be even better were you here with me.
Give my love to Georgiana and kiss my new niece or nephew for me. Tell her I will visit her and the babe as soon as my health allows. Hurry home to us, my love.
Elizabeth
27 June, 1819
Glendale, Staffordshire
Elizabeth,
Forgive me! I cannot believe I missed the birth! I thought there were a few weeks yet to go and Marsden was beside himself with worry. Georgie is well—she came through her confinement with her usual grace and strength, and is now the proud mother of a beautiful boy she intends to call Darcy. I must admit I am rather flattered. He has the look of Georgie about him already.
Marsden has asked me to be godfather and I accepted, of course. His brother will also do the job.
Your letter arrived before tea and a storm has just broken out. I will leave for Pemberley at first light. I cannot wait to meet our daughter and to see your sweet face. I am so very proud of you, my wife. You amaze me. Please sleep and allow the nurses to assist you; that is what they are for.
I am sending this letter back with young Timmons; he was fair to bursting with pride to be the one to deliver such an important missive.
I will be with you shortly, my love.
Your Husband