Darcy looked at his watch again. Not even ten minutes had passed since the last time he checked. “It is too early to pay a call. Have you broken your fast?”
“Tea and toast. I could not eat more.”
He held a hand to his sister. “Come. Let us both partake of more sustenance. Our friends will require our strength.”
At the meal’s completion, they remained together moving to the morning parlour. Georgiana sat embroidering, whilst Darcy stood staring out the window onto the street. It was so quiet, Georgiana startled when her brother spoke. “Lady Matlock has arrived.”
She put away her embroidery and both stood to greet her when she was ushered in by the butler.
“Fitzwilliam, Georgiana. I knew I would find the two of you awake despite the late night.” She glided in and kissed her niece and nephew’s cheeks. “Sit down, both of you. Alex is fine, I was assured of such last night by Mrs Carrington. We shall visit this morning and learn more of what took place at her home. Now, cheer up. Neither of you will be of any use to her looking miserable and tied up in knots.”
“I shall order tea, Aunt?” It sounded more like a question, but Georgiana rose to pull the cord.
“Very good, dear. We shall enjoy a nice cup of tea, soothe your nerves and then call on Mrs Carrington.” Her chin lifted slightly at the narrowing of Darcy’s eyes. Even if they drank slowly, it would still be far too early for a morning call. Clearly, Lady Matlock was not nearly as complacent as her behaviour displayed.
~ / ~
Elizabeth, Dorothy and Alex were in the drawing room when their visitors were announced. Alex was in his mother’s arms, chattering away in nonsensical noises in between chewing on his fist. Elizabeth stood and curtseyed before welcoming them and requesting tea.
“Lizzy.” With a strangled sob Georgiana threw her arms around Elizabeth and Alex.
“Hush, dear. You can see we are well.” Despite attempts to maintain her sensibilities, Elizabeth had to blink away tears.
Pulling away Georgiana kissed Alex’s hand. “He looks quite content and happy.”
“And so he is. He slept fine. It is the rest of us who had slumber and peace of mind stolen away. Pray be seated.”
But Lady Matlock did not sit. She approached mother and son, staring at Alex once she stood before them. Slowly, her eyes met Elizabeth’s and said soberly. “I am very pleased your son is well.”
“Thank you, your Ladyship.”
“May I… hold him?”
For a split-second Elizabeth’s hold on Alex tightened. “If he will go to you, Lady Matlock.”
The older woman’s face gentled, as if in understanding of Elizabeth’s instinctive reaction. Then, she smiled at Alex and held out her hands, not reaching for him. Waiting and giving him time to figure out his response.
For his part he garbled some more and leant out of Elizabeth’s arms, falling into Lady Matlock’s. Georgiana moved off with her aunt to claim adjacent seats, cooing over Alex.
“Dorothy, why do you not take the opportunity to rest. I shall call when you are needed.” Elizabeth nodded to her, encouraging the woman to seize the opportunity.
“Perhaps some tea in the kitchen, ma’am, if you are sure?”
All this time, Darcy had come to a standstill in the middle of the room and stared at the woman he held profound feelings for. The thundering of his heart was painful in his chest. Elizabeth bore the proof of last night’s turmoil on her face, but to him she had never looked more beautiful. Pale, with red-rimmed, puffy eyes she might have been, but here she stood, calm, composed and standing erect to greet his sister, aunt and himself into her home. He was in awe of her strength and courage, but all he wished to do was hie her off to Pemberley where he could take care of her and do away with all her worries. If he tried, he had no doubt she would argue against the idea.
She had finished reassuring the nurse and greeted him. “Mr Darcy, you are all very welcome this morning. Though I am surprised. I would have thought everyone would still be abed after the early morning end to the ball.” She gestured for him to a seat near her.
“We would have been here earlier if it had not crossed every line of basic propriety. Forgive me, you are well? I cannot imagine you managed to sleep much.” His hand closest to her began to risebefore he lowered it to intertwine the fingers of both hands together.
“We are well, but tired. Alex is the only one who managed a full night’s sleep. I dread Dorothy resigning. This excitement must be more than she bargained for when she took the position.”
“She seems quite devoted to Alex. I would be surprised if she quit.” He leant in to look at her intensely, “Will you tell me what happened?”
So, Elizabeth explained the events of the night before, concluding, “A window needs to be repaired, and the curtains must be replaced. For now, it is boarded up. Thankfully, there does not seem to be smoke damage beyond that room. The furnishings may all need to be replaced at some point. It is a worry for another day. I am only grateful my uncle’s associate had already removed all the items to be sold.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jane enter with the maid and tea behind her. She greeted everyone and played hostess with the tea before sitting beside Georgiana.
Alex gave her a gummy smile and lifted his hands to her. Jane put down her tea and took Alex from Lady Matlock holding him close in her arms.
