“Pray, do not speak so. We do not require it, and I am sure my brother will not even hear of it. He would only say,” Georgiana deepened her voice, “I should hope some kind stranger might care for my sister in the same manner, should she find herself in any trouble. And, as a gentleman, it is the least I could do…”
Elizabeth watched her with humour in her eyes.
“I jest, but I assure you it is also the truth.” Miss Darcy concluded.
“Well, since you are here, in what essentially is my bedroom, shall you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, if you prefer?”
The younger woman nodded eagerly, “And you may call me Georgiana.”
Moving so she could run one finger gently down the baby’s downy cheek she asked, “Have you named him?”
Elizabeth gazed down on her son with moist eyes, “His father’s name was Gregory. His name shall now be their only connection.” Repositioning her newborn, she blinked away the tears, then looked at Georgiana. “What is your brother’s name?”
“Fitzwilliam.”
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “It is a mouthful.”
“The Fitzwilliam’s have a tradition of naming first born sons with the mother’s family name. I call my brother William or Will.”
Elizabeth shuddered. It was too similar to an unpleasant distant cousin of the Bennet family. “Does he have a middle name?”
“Alexander.”
“Hmm… Gregory Alexander. It sounds quite well indeed. Do you think your brother would mind? I like the idea of a reminder of the first person in this world who showed him such goodness.”
“I think my brother will be proud.”
Both women smiled down on the babe as he moved again and resettled.
“Would you like to hold Gregory Alexander?”
“Oh,” Georgiana looked shocked. “I am not sure.”
“It is well. He will not break. And he is freshly changed.” Elizabeth moved towards Georgiana, “Support his head… Both hands… There you go.”
Georgiana was marvelling at the tiny human in her arms. “I do not think I have ever held an infant before.”
“Have you no other siblings or cousins married with children?”
“I have no other siblings aside from my brother, and to my aunt’s regret her sons have yet to provide her with grandchildren. The eldest has been married a couple of years, but they have not yet been blessed with children. My other cousin, who is my second guardian, is in the regulars and is not yet married.” Georgiana could not remove her eyes from the bundle she held.
Elizabeth reached out to place a finger under her son’s hand. “I was fortunate to be close with my aunt and uncle, and spent much time with them and with my young cousins. Of my three sisters, one is lately married. My son is the first of the next generation.” She stifled a yawn, “Oh, I do beg your pardon.”
“No, pray forgive me. I should let you rest.” Georgiana handed Gregory Alexander back to Elizabeth.
“I shall try to. When do you and Mr Darcy plan on leaving?”
“Our plans are not fixed.” Georgiana would not meet her eye.
Elizabeth did not notice as she was situating herself and her son for sleep.
“Rest well, Elizabeth.” Georgiana smiled at the maid and moved to the door. Opening it as quietly as she could, she exited and closed the door behind her.
When she turned, she gasped. Darcy was waiting for her in the hall.
“Brother! You did not need to wait here for me.”
“Until your maid arrives, I do not want you to walk through the corridors alone. I did not mind waiting to assure your safety.”
