Chapter Twenty #3
“I understand your sentiments, but as you know, that is not my way. Nevertheless, it is done.”
“Yes, it is.” After another shot, Richard casually remarked, “It seems your new wife is settling in quite well, even after all she endured. I believe she will be a great comfort for our dear Georgie.”
“Elizabeth is remarkable. I never dreamed my family would be so blessed. Anna loves her, and she is the best of mothers. Without question she will make an excellent sister for Georgiana.”
“I am glad to hear you say so, Cousin. It is about time you experienced some genuine happiness. I know you spoke with Georgie before you left Rosings, but I tell you, the poor girl hardly knew what to expect after spending those few days with Lady Catherine. According to our girl, our aunt was at her bedchamber for hours on end disparaging you and your wife. Thankfully I was able to set the record straight and relieve her fears long before we arrived.”
“Unbelievable! I gave our Aunt very explicit instructions before leaving Kent. That woman is going to have a piece of my mind, whether it is in person or by post. My family does not deserve her vitriol, and I refuse to placate her any longer just because we are closely related. Furthermore, since she has refused to acknowledge Elizabeth as my wife, I have no qualms about her decision to leave Rosings Park and move into Town. Your father will see to her welfare and that is fine by me. At this point, I care not what she does.”
“I heartily concur. Our aunt is one stubborn, foolish woman.” After taking another shot he said, “I realise it might be a bit premature, but tell me, once Aunt Catherine moves to Town, what are your plans for Rosings Park? It is a large estate, and while you have a capable steward, I should think you might like someone who would be looked up to as Master and who would actively participate in running the property. I am sure such a move would be viewed with favour by the village as well as the parish.”
William looked pointedly at Richard before answering. “As a matter of fact, I have considered such and do have someone in mind. Assuming Elizabeth and I have sons, it will be many years before one of them is grown and able to manage the estate. In truth, I was planning to ask you, Cousin.”
“Me?!” He guffawed.
“Yes, you, Richard. Have you not spent enough time in harm’s way for king and country? Would you not like to take the lovely Mrs. Walden to wife and begin a family of your own?”
“Darcy … I, for once you have caught me off guard.”
William smiled at his admission, saying, “I thought as much before I made the offer.”
“You do realise I know little to nothing about estate management.”
“That will cause me no worry. You have a good head on your shoulders and are certainly experienced assessing matters and giving orders in your chosen profession. Moreover, you were raised on a large estate and must have had a certain amount of training from your father in the event that something should happen to your older brother.”
“That is true, but I never took his instruction seriously. My brother has always been healthy, and once he and his wife produce an heir, all will be settled on that score.”
“Nevertheless, you are familiar with Rosings Park and have accompanied me every spring to assist Aunt Catherine. I have often shared my concerns over the management of the estate with you, and you have willingly given me your valuable opinions. Should you decide favourably, you will have the aid of my very able steward, and I will of course advise you in areas where you are lacking. Not to mention, Rosings Park generates a very respectable income and as an active occupant, you would be entitled to a percentage of the profits.”
“‘Tis a generous proposition. If you do not mind, Darcy, I should like to think on your offer and perhaps speak with Father about the possibility.”
“I would hope so. Your father is excellent at estate management and was very helpful to me after my father died.”
Following a few more shots and some banter about Richard’s potential as master of an estate, Richard turned the conversation to Mr. Bennet. “May I ask how your father-in-law is faring? It must have been difficult for him, knowing his daughter and Anna were taken.”
“According to a letter Elizabeth received from Miss Mary, he is pretty much the same. Even with all that happened, he did not have a relapse, for which we are grateful.”
“I am glad to hear it. I liked the man very much. ‘Tis a shame about his heart, though.”
“I know. He and Elizabeth are close, and it will be hard on her when he dies.”
“Thankfully, she will have you.”
“I will do everything I can. Still….”
“I understand.”
“Before we left Longbourn, I spoke to Bennet about allowing me to assist him.
He agreed, and I have contacted one of my agents who will serve as a temporary land steward during the harvest and making periodic visits throughout the year.
Elizabeth says her father has done little since his initial collapse, so it appears my assistance is much needed.
“My man, Wallace, will travel to Longbourn at the beginning of next week to survey the estate. After consulting with Bennet, he will send me his report and begin making changes per my approval. In addition, I have asked Wallace to meet with Sir William Lucas in order to gather information about what properties are available in the neighbourhood, should I choose to look at anything for Mrs. Bennet before going on to Pemberley. Based on Mitchell’s prediction, Bennet may not last through the winter. Hopefully that will not be the case.”
“I did not realise he had so little time left.”
“For Elizabeth’s sake, I prefer to think more positively and pray he will live much longer.”
“I hope so, too. Bennet is fortunate to have you as a son-in-law. He need not worry about his family from that respect. Considering all you have been through since your marriage, I am impressed with your resilience in these matters.”
“You need not be. Everything I do with regard to the Bennets, I do for Elizabeth and her alone. Without her, I am but a shell of a man.”
Richard gave Darcy a brotherly hug. “You, Cousin, are a deserving man, and I am very happy for you, for all of you.”
The Music Room
Later that evening
Following a lovely dinner with delightful conversation, the Darcys and Richard removed to the Music Room for dessert and some relaxation.
To conclude their little family celebration, Elizabeth and Anna had presented Georgiana with the music box from the Meryton woodcarver’s shop.
Saddened that Wickham had taken her jewellery while at Ramsgate, William gifted his sister with a necklace he had chosen from Lady Anne’s collection.
The necklace, a lovely pearl pendant simply set with a few small diamonds and on a gold chain, held a special meaning for him.
“As a youth, I remember Mama often wore this necklace. Here, allow me to help you put it on.”
“William, it is perfect,” Georgiana said reverently placing her hand on the pendant after he fastened the clasp. Trying to hold back her tears, she continued, “And because it belonged to Mama, I love it all the more.”
“Aunt Georgie, Mama Elizabeth had a present for me, too,” said Anna unknowingly breaking the emotional tension. She proudly pointed to her garnet cross. “My necklace was Mama’s, and it came from our Grandmamma Elizabeth Rose. Mama says it is good to share.”
“Your necklace is quite lovely, Anna. I had no idea it once belonged to Mama Elizabeth. I agree, sharing is a very good thing, and all of you have made me very happy tonight with your generosity.”
“We love you, Aunt Georgie,” the child said giving her aunt a loving embrace.
Not long after, Anna asked if she could perform the lullaby Elizabeth had taught her.
Following her song, Elizabeth continued to play some soothing music at the pianoforte for a time while the others chatted.
Richard took it upon himself to keep Anna entertained so that William and Georgiana could speak more privately.
Taking a seat next to Georgiana on the sofa and holding her hand, William said, “Seeing you wear the necklace reminds me of our mother. Though she had many jewels from the Darcy collection, she said she treasured this simple pendant since it was a gift from her mother on her sixteenth birthday. My only regret is that she is not here to give it to you herself.”
“Thank you, Brother.”
“You are very much like her. You have her eyes. We both do, but when I look into yours, I can see her. You have her expression. Our mother was a kind and loving woman, just as you are. Before she died, Mama said to me, ‘Fitzwilliam, when I am gone, you will always have your sister, and for that I am grateful.’ I, too, am grateful, Georgie. Without you and Anna and now Elizabeth, I would be lost.”
“Oh, William, you are the best of brothers and I would have no other.”
He kissed her forehead. Changing the subject so as not to become too maudlin, he then said, “It is good to see you are feeling better tonight. For my part, I cannot abide a headache.”
“I am much better. I think it was just the carriage ride which brought on the headache today. Had it not been for Elizabeth, I might still have it.”
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Brother. When I was resting, she came to my room to check on my comfort. She told me her sister, Jane, often has headaches, and although mine was from an injury, she wished to help.”
“I am not surprised.” He smiled. “It is her way.”
“I should like to tell you what she did. First she took one of my handkerchiefs and, removing a small vial from her pocket, placed a few drops of lavender oil on the cloth. Then she asked me if I would mind her joining me on the bed. As I held the cloth, she cradled my head in her lap and began to gently massage my forehead and temples. And as she lightly ran her fingers along the top of my head and through my hair, she hummed the loveliest melody. Elizabeth said she would be happy to share her song collection with me.”
“I have no doubt her songs will give you great pleasure.”
“I know not when I fell asleep, but later when I awoke and she was gone, I was refreshed. William, she was so kind, so unlike … forgive me. I did not mean….”
“‘Tis nothing, Georgiana,” he said. “In some ways Anne could not help being who she was. On occasion I have wondered what she might have been like had she had not been raised by Lady Catherine. Neither Anne nor her mother has ever shown us the kind of selfless love we received from our mother and now from Elizabeth. Sister, we are blessed.”
“Yes, I know, and like Anna, I must tell you that I love her.”
“It warms my heart to hear you say so, Georgie.”
“I promise you, Brother, I will do all I can to help Elizabeth in return.”
“Thank you, Georgie. She will have many challenges over the coming months and I know you will be very helpful.”
William’s Bedchamber
Much later
It was close to midnight by the time William and Elizabeth retired to their rooms. All were in bed and the house was finally quiet. Following their lovemaking, the happy couple lay in each other’s arms, but not quite ready for sleep.
“The day ended well, husband,” Elizabeth said, lightly rubbing her hand across his chest.”
“Yes, it did. Having gone to the gaol, I had not expected it to. Nevertheless, things turned out far better than I anticipated and that was because of you, Elizabeth.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You bring something to our family which Georgiana, Anna, and I have been lacking these past few years. You bring light and warmth. You make us feel loved and wanted. For that there will never be enough words to express our gratitude.”
“William, you are embarrassing me. I am no one special. In fact, you may regret your words when we have had our first real disagreement and I win the battle,” she teased.
“We shall see,” he chuckled.
“Anna and Georgiana, even Richard, and of course you, dear William, are my family now. I cannot help but love all of you and want to do for you as I have always done. Together we shall continue to make our way, and if we falter now and then, our love will sustain us. I would have it no other way.”
“Nor would I.”