Chapter 51 #2
A little over a fortnight later, Mrs. Bennet left Pemberley with her two youngest daughters and her brother.
Mr. Gardiner was reluctantly escorting his sister to the seaside and would ensure that all was in order before returning home to London.
He would travel back to Pemberley at the beginning of August to collect his wife and children, who were staying so Mrs. Gardiner could be there for Elizabeth’s confinement.
At first, Mrs. Bennet had not wanted to depart, but the promise of a month in Lyme had quickly won her acquiescence.
The more she considered the matter, the more she agreed that it was best for Mrs. Gardiner to be there to assist Elizabeth with the birth, since that lady had experienced it far more recently.
In fact, as Mrs. Bennet recalled what a dreadful process her own confinements had been, she felt a month at the seaside was far preferable to waiting on Elizabeth.
The four Gardiner children proved to be much more pleasant houseguests than their aunt had been.
Content with the well-stocked nursery and a few maids to attend to their needs, they required little of Elizabeth, allowing her to enjoy some peace.
Mrs. Gardiner, too, was a far more restful companion.
While Darcy focused on necessary estate business, she encouraged Elizabeth to rest, offering quiet support and providing assistance discreetly, without imposing.
Elizabeth found great comfort in her aunt’s gentle presence.
One afternoon, as they sat together in the drawing room, Elizabeth sighed, leaning back against the cushions.
“I cannot remember the last time I felt so… at peace,” she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.
Mrs. Gardiner glanced at her with a smile.
“It is good to have a moment of respite, my dear. You have been through so much these past months. Allow yourself to enjoy this time. It will end soon enough,” she said meaningfully, her gaze drifting to Elizabeth’s distended stomach.
“I believe there is not long to go now.”
Elizabeth’s hand instinctively rested on her belly, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips.
“Yes, I suppose I cannot put off the inevitable,” she said with a wry smile, her voice tinged with both excitement and nervousness.
“It seems as though this little one is determined to arrive on his or her own schedule.”
Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. “They often are. But rest assured, Elizabeth, you will manage just as you always have.”
“I do hope so,” Elizabeth replied, her tone more uncertain than she meant it to be.
“It is strange, is it not? This feeling of waiting. It is almost as if life is on pause until… until everything changes.” Her voice trailed off, as she considered all the changes that had taken place in the last months and that would soon occur.
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression softened with understanding. “Change can be daunting, but it is also the most wonderful part of life. You will find, my dear, that this change is one you will embrace with joy, even on the hardest days.”
Elizabeth turned to her aunt, a question lingering in her eyes. “Did you ever feel this way? When you were waiting for your own children?”
Mrs. Gardiner thought for a moment before answering, her gaze growing distant with memory.
“Of course, I did. There were moments when I was overwhelmed by the thought of it all. But then there were other moments—small ones— when everything felt just right, and I knew that I had all the support I needed.” She looked at Elizabeth meaningfully.
“You have the best kind of support, my dear. Fitzwilliam will be by your side, just as he has been these last months. Even when you were apart, he was in your heart, was he not?”
Elizabeth’s heart warmed at the mention of her husband. “Yes, he has been… incredible,” she said softly, her voice filled with affection. “I sometimes wonder how I could have ever survived without him. He has been my rock through everything.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled gently. “You were not the only one who has struggled, Elizabeth. The path you have both walked has not been an easy one. But look at where you are now. You are both stronger for it.”
Elizabeth nodded, her hand resting on her belly once more. “Yes, I suppose we are. I am beginning to see that everything we have been through has led us to this moment. I only hope that I can be the mother I want to be.”
“You will be,” Mrs. Gardiner said confidently. “I have no doubt about that. You will have all the love in the world to give your little one.”
Just then, the door opened, and Darcy stepped into the room, his eyes instantly going to his wife. A soft smile tugged at his lips when he saw her with her aunt, the two women sharing a quiet moment.
“How is my favourite lady?” he asked as he leant over to lightly kiss her lips, his voice warm and affectionate.
“I am well, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth replied, her smile widening as he came to sit beside her. “We were just discussing the changes that are soon to come.”
Darcy placed a hand on Elizabeth’s, his touch comforting. “Indeed,” he said, “but I think, my love, we are ready for whatever comes. Together.”
Elizabeth looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. “Yes, together.”
He turned to Mrs. Gardiner with a playful glint in his eye. “I trust you have been taking good care of her?”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded with a knowing smile. “Of course, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth is in excellent hands.”
Elizabeth rested her head against Darcy’s shoulder, feeling the weight of the world lift from her chest, if only for a moment. They had come so far, survived so much uncertainty, and she was delighted in the peace she felt with him.