Chapter 18
Pemberley
“I shall miss living in our enchanted cottage, but it will soon be too small for our family.” Elizabeth rubbed her belly as Darcy guided her towards the manor house.
“We shall take our love and its enchantment with us.”
“The midwife examined me yesterday and said we can expect our new little Darcy a little later than she originally believed. It seems some women show symptoms earlier than others, so babies may come later than initially predicted.” This was unexpected news to him, but it did not reduce his joy.
She was going to be pleased even if it meant that his surprize for her would be revealed earlier than necessary.
The two of them entered Pemberley, stood on the beautifully restored black and white marble floor, and slowly looked around. Her eyes sparkled, and he was pleased, as her good opinion mattered to him. “How does it compare to the way it was before the fire?” she asked.
He scrutinized the beautiful frescoes. “It is difficult for me to say. I had become so accustomed to my surroundings that I never took notice of the details before; however, I am quite pleased with what I see now. What shall we look at first?”
“If you do not object, I should like to see my chambers.”
“Of course not. Lead the way.”
They slowly climbed the stairs, and before she opened the door, she turned to him. “I have a bit of a surprize for you.” She held out her hand and led him inside.
Darcy gasped. How had she done it? Elizabeth had asked for the decoration of her rooms to be done according to her exacting standards, but he had not seen them until today.
“You remembered everything I told you about my mother’s chambers.
It is lovely. Thank you.” He touched the lace draperies and lightly ran his hand over the silk hanging papers on the walls, which depicted all the colours of the garden.
“Even the Axminster is the same colour as the roses! Every time I enter this room, I shall be reminded of how much I love you.”
He kissed her hand and led her into the sitting room that separated their two bed chambers.
“It is so bright! The sunlight will warm us when the weather turns cold. The chairs and settee look so comfortable that I may never leave this room.”
“I would often find my parents together here—my father working at the desk and my mother sitting near the windows reading or writing in her journals. It was their own little refuge from the responsibilities of running the estate. I hope it will be the same for us.”
“You never mentioned your mother kept a journal.”
“Yes. She wrote detailed notes on everyday matters, planning parties, ideas for her garden, and such, but they were all destroyed by the fire.”
“I am disappointed they are gone. I could have learnt so much about being Pemberley’s mistress and come to know your mother better if I had access to her notes.”
Darcy paused at her remark. How fine it would be if his parents were here to meet Elizabeth and their first grandchild. He cleared his throat. “We shall look at my chambers later, but now I have something special to show you.”
They walked a short distance until Darcy held the door open for his wife to enter. She had tears in her eyes as she looked around the nursery. “It is so much more than I ever imagined—our child will be very content here. My love, I adore it but it is a rather large room for one little baby.”
He embraced her from behind and placed his hands on their growing babe. “Someday I hope we shall add several more children to our family and I wished to be prepared for that eventuality.”
“I appreciate your foresight, but may we wait to discuss having another child until after we hold this little one in our arms?”
“Yes, my heart.”
Darcy kissed her hair and led her to the next apartment. “There is a suite that was built for Jane, but now that she is to be married, we can use the rooms for family guests.”
Elizabeth suggested they return to the ground floor.
“Are you certain? If you are fatigued, we can tour the rest of the house later—we do live here now.”
“I am well.” After they walked down the stairs, she said, “There is a particular item I wish to show you.”
She led him to the doors of his study, where he commented, “The ceiling has been reinforced, but nothing has been touched in here yet.”
“Well, I would not say nothing.” Her tone was playful. What was she about? She took his hand, then opened the doors and pulled him inside the room.
“My desk! Only you could have managed to have it restored so beautifully.”
“Mrs. Reynolds knew of a local craftsman who repairs damaged furniture. He has been here almost every day for the past few months, but you never noticed him because there were so many workmen coming in and out all day. I felt my secret would be safe since you have been using the library in the cottage as your study.”
He pulled his wife to him and said in a whisper, “What did I ever do to deserve you, my darling Lizzy? You are the greatest joy of my life and you continue to touch my heart every day.” They clung to each other, fortunate to have found the remarkable love they shared.
No words were necessary to convey the depths of their dedication for each other.
He said softly, “Are there any more surprizes?”
“Only one more.” He followed her and could not imagine what awaited him when she opened the doors to the library.
“How in the world?” The first bookcase had been restored to its original condition.
Half the shelves were filled with new books or those which had been charred and were now refurbished.
“I cannot tell you how. . .how much this means to me—what you mean to me. I shall not ask how you were able to do this but. . .” He held her closely to him.
“How I love you, Mrs. Darcy.” They were smiling through their tears as they walked out of the library to inspect more of the newly rebuilt rooms on the ground floor.
* * *
Since mid-April, every morning and every evening and often at mid-day, Darcy asked his wife the same questions. “How do you feel, my love? Do you think the baby will come today? Is there anything I can do for you?”
When the answer was a terse “no,” it was clear that his wife was as anxious as he for their child to be born.
One day, he and Mrs. Reynolds stood together gazing out the French windows. They watched Elizabeth taking a slow walk in the garden. He turned to the housekeeper. “Should I be concerned that the babe has not yet arrived? Pray be honest with me.”
“Sir, babies come when they are ready. Most likely Mrs. Darcy did not fall with child as early as she thought. It is only natural to be nervous about the approaching accouchement but try to stay calm for the mistress’s sake. She will let you know when she is ready to give birth.”
“Have you overheard me questioning her?”
“Yes, sir, several times every day.” Duly chastised, he went upstairs to their sitting room to distract himself with the business of the estate.
* * *
May 1813
Elizabeth was awakened by a sudden sharp pain early on the morning of Jane’s wedding.
A few days earlier, the midwife told her the baby could come at any time.
Why today of all days? She refused to have her baby before the ceremony and spoil her beloved sister’s special day.
Besides, Lady Matlock told her babies are not born that quickly—Elizabeth had plenty of time.
Jane prepared for her wedding at Pemberley, and Elizabeth joined her as Jane took one last look at herself before the short walk to the chapel. Her sister was lovely in her wedding apparel.
“You are more beautiful than I have ever seen you. You are glowing.”
“When I first arrived in Derbyshire, I wished to have half the joy as you and Darcy one day. Today I am excited by the thought of what the future will bring.”
“I knew you would find happiness, just as I did. Even though even I could not imagine that would mean us falling in love with cousins who are more like brothers.”
“Richard is the answer to all my dreams.”
“Well then, let us get you married!” The sisters embraced with tears of happiness in their eyes.
* * *
Throughout the ceremony, the labour pains came and went, and Elizabeth said nothing.
When any discomfort bothered her, she rubbed her stomach.
Her husband stood beside Richard and looked at her with raised eyebrows.
She smiled and shook her head not wishing to alarm him unnecessarily.
But oh, when the discomfort came to her, it was difficult not to wince!
The frequency of the spasms intensified during the celebratory breakfast and she had to stop herself from bending over and clutching her stomach.
They all joined in watching the bride and groom walk towards Pembrook Cottage before returning to the house.
Before she reached the drawing room, Elizabeth’s gown and slippers were suddenly wet.
She leaned towards Lady Matlock and said in a quiet tone, “My lady, I believe it is time for the baby to be born.”
“Darcy, help your wife to her chambers, and I shall meet you there. Hugh, ask Mrs. Reynolds to send for the midwife, and I shall see to everything we need being brought up. Georgiana, practice your music and keep yourself occupied. I know you love your sister, but the birthing room is no place for you, dearest.” Lady Matlock was excellent at taking charge.
“Yes, aunt.” With a smile, Georgiana turned towards the music room.
* * *
“I shall see to Mrs. Darcy, sir. When there is news, someone will find you.”
He was loath to leave his wife no matter what the housekeeper said.
He was fairly certain that Elizabeth’s labour pains were more frequent than they would be for someone who had just started the birthing process.
She must have experienced this discomfort for many hours!
It was just like her to put her sister’s happiness before her own well-being.
Darcy sat beside his wife and took her hand. “Shall I let Jane know?”