Chapter 16
Pemberley
There were no storms with driving snow to echo their anger and resentment of last year. This season, the snow fell quietly, softly, through the days.
Darcy sat in quiet contentment as the Darcy family — now numbering four — clustered in the small parlour, Elizabeth’s favourite place, easier to keep warm at her insistence, for she would not have their son raised at a distance by servants in the nursery, but among those who loved him best; tousle-headed, he was at this moment murmuring sleepily in his mother’s arms, Georgiana sitting close to them on the sofa.
They were five, really. Richard might be his cousin, but he was the brother Darcy had never had, and he prayed that young Will would have the joy of siblings.
But for now he was utterly content. He could hardly believe that in one year, his life could be so completely changed. It had been on the Christmas Eve that his marriage had truly begun, memories of the previous months had now been overlain with more recent recollections and joy.
He smiled; their son must have been conceived at that time, and he was happy that Elizabeth’s confinement was over and that she could be with them all this season.
He chuckled to himself — Elizabeth had refused to comply with the rules of confinement, leaving the chamber within a few days, and walking out in the grounds with him in little more than a week. He recalled her exasperation at his concerns.
“William, I must have the opportunity to walk out before winter sets in and the weather is too inclement! You know I need to take the air.”
“What is amusing you, cousin?” Richard had noticed, of course.
“I was thinking how different this year is from the last.”
His cousin shook his head. “I am gratified that you have even noticed, Darce.”
Elizabeth laughed at them. “It is good that the weather this year permitted you to join us, Colonel. My husband must be fatigued with the restrictions of solely female company.”
“And you don’t have much in the way of gentlemanly conversation, do you, little one?” Georgiana cooed over her nephew, taking his fist and waving it gently.
Darcy’s heart warmed as he gazed at them together.
Georgiana had been with them since Twelfth Night last year, accompanying them to town to introduce Mrs. Darcy.
But they had not stayed long, as Elizabeth had found she tired very easily.
And when she had revealed to him the reason why, he had brought them home to Pemberley, where they loved to be.
She and Georgiana had become close friends, as close as he could wish sisters to be, and his heart swelled with gratitude that he had a son and heir, and family around him.
“Come, Georgiana. Play some Christmas music for us.” Richard was on his feet. “I will turn the pages for you.”
Though the piano in this room was not their finest, Darcy was grateful they had found space for one.
Now there was a place beside Elizabeth for him, and he crossed the room and sat close to her, relishing the feel of her body pressed against his.
She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “I was remembering last Christmas Eve,” she murmured.
“As was I.” He chuckled. “One thing I remember is trying to rescue you from the snow as you walked back from placing the wreath, and you refused to be rescued!”
She laughed softly. “I had forgotten that. I was so sad — we had seemed to be happier with each other and then I had seen the letter from your cousin and thought you still hated me.” She lifted her face to his for a brief kiss.
“But I am so thankful we reconciled that night. This is our true anniversary.”
“It is,” he agreed, allowing a soft smile as he stroked his son’s head. “I cannot believe we have a child!”
“Mmm. And you were so anxious for me. I was happy when all went well and you could cease being so protective.” She rested her head back down on his shoulder.
“My wife. The mother of our son.” His voice was thick. “I never knew I could love another as I do you, dearest Elizabeth.”
“I thank you for your gift earlier.” She touched the locket at her throat. “It is wonderful to have a place for the curl of Will’s hair so close. And now I have something for you — it is from all of us, really.” She reached behind her and drew out a small package.
Darcy unwrapped it carefully. A silver fob watch with the Darcy crest engraved on it. He pressed the button and the cover flipped open. “Oh!” His eyes misted over.
“It is not as it should be,” Elizabeth pressed his hand.
“There will be a proper miniature in oils painted of him when he is older that you can enclose. But Georgiana painted him so beautifully.” She laughed again.
“Will sat for his portrait, Georgiana painted it, and I had it fitted into this watch. From all of us, as I said.”
Warmth wrapped around him. “I thank you.” He held the watch in his palm, full of the symbolism of his happiness. While they had exchanged gifts, it seemed to him that the greatest gift was simply being here. Together.
The baby stirred and whimpered. Elizabeth drew him closer, tucking his hand into the swaddling blanket, and rocking gently. Darcy placed his arm around her, and together they rocked their son, who settled once more into sleep.
Darcy lifted his gaze to the window. The snow still fell, but quietly, softly drifting down. This year it was no longer isolation; it enclosed them instead in peace, family, contentment, and love.