“I trust you, Fitzwilliam, to care for the tenants and bring Rosings back to the estate it once was.”
“And if I should decide to sell it?”
“Pray keep it for a second son.”
“Anne…”
“You are young, Fitzwilliam. When my time comes you will remarry and have the family I know you desire.”
“Anne, we are doing this so you will live.”
“I believe, Cousin, I will not live many more years, but now I know they will be peaceful ones. My mother deserves no such peace, let her know what her behaviour has wrought, and if she should think we may sell Rosings out from under her, for one pound perhaps…?” Anne shrugged her shoulders and did not continue.
The only control remaining to Lady Catherine was the time she awoke in the morning and what time she decided to retire to bed. Any servant found doing as she commanded and not as his newly appointed steward and overseer instructed, would be let go immediately, and without reference.
Not even the meal planning was under her preview. The estate was faltering financially, and Darcy would see it brought back to its former glory. To that end prudence must govern Rosings’ expenditures, and would do so for many years to come.
In the meantime, all connection to her was cut. Barring the five hundred pounds per annum allowance which was her due, she would receive nothing else from him, Anne, or either of their estates. She was free to leave Rosings and go someplace else at her own expense and nowhere near any Darcy. The moment she left the estate, the conditions granting her the right to live there would become null and void.
Now, Anne was dead, and he was nearing the end of his full mourning. So, Darcy and his sister were travelling from Derbyshire to town.
Darcy was impressed with Georgiana’s concern and advocacy for a stranger. It shows how far she had matured and grown in confidence over the past several years. These qualities will stand her in good stead when she married and became the mistress of an estate, responsible for tenants and dependents of her own.
Hearing his sister begin to stir, he opened the door and requested additional tea, toast and jam to be brought together with his coffee.
Closing the door, he turned at his sister’s question. “Well?”
“A boy. Both mother and child are well, I was informed.”
A beatific smile grew in her face. “Do you think Mrs Carrington will let me visit?”
“I know not, but we can inquire after she has had sufficient rest. For now, I suggest after we have had tea and something to eat, we go to our rooms to rest ourselves. When we wake, we shall see if Mrs Carrington is accepting callers.”
~ / ~
Elizabeth was mesmerized, staring at her son. In the early afternoon, a knock sounded on the door to her chamber. She indicated her consent to Sally, the maid currently attending her, to open the door to see who was there.
“May I come in and visit?” Miss Darcy’s soft voice wafted into the room.
“Of course, Miss Darcy. I am pleased to see you are still here.” Elizabeth smiled at her tiredly, “Come closer, we do not bite.”
Miss Darcy hesitantly crossed the room to sit in a chair positioned by the bed. She had a shy smile on her face but was enthralled by the little bundle in the new mother’s arms.
Elizabeth was dressed in a modest nightgown, her hair was pulled back in a braid, and a light sheet was over her legs. The bundle in her arms squeaked and squirmed and she pulled the bunting to the side so Miss Darcy could see his face.
Miss Darcy inhaled, “He is beautiful!” She exclaimed in a whisper. “How are you feeling?”
Elizabeth gave her a small smile. “There is a list.”
“Pardon?”
“Tired, relieved, sore, embarrassed, happy, sad and grateful, oh, and exhausted. I am sure I could think of more given a little time.”
The younger woman giggled, “That is indeed quite a list. But why do you feel embarrassed?”
“I have put these good people, and your brother, unless I am very much mistaken, to great trouble and expense, I am sure.”
A flush rose from her neck to cover her face and the new mother continued in a quiet tone, “I know not how I shall repay you, but I will.”
