“I understand. Thank you, William.”
“Does Mrs Carrington require anything?”
“At the moment, I believe she mostly requires rest.” She aimed a mischievous grin at him. “Elizabeth named him Gregory Alexander, for the babe’s father and... for you.”
“Indeed?”
“She was touched by your kindness and said she wanted her son to have a reminder of the best man I know.”
Darcy felt heat rise up his neck and cheeks, but only said, “Elizabeth, is it?”
Georgiana beamed at him. “I got to hold him. He is so dear and tiny. It is such a miracle, Brother.”
Together, the siblings descended the stairs to enter the same private parlour.
“Have you rested enough, Georgiana?”
“I have, thank you. Shall we take a walk?”
“An excellent idea, my dear. A stroll would be refreshing.”
Collecting their outer garments, the Darcys exited the inn to walk up and down the street, occasionally glancing into the few store fronts peppering the little town.
The sight of one of the smaller Darcy carriages slowing to turn in at the inn had them retracing their steps.
Rogers, Darcy’s valet, was helping Georgiana’s maid and another Darcy maid from the carriage as the Darcys arrived back at the inn.
“Sir, we rushed to join you as soon as we received your express.”
“Very good, Rogers. And I see you brought Hannah, as well. A fine choice.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. Hannah will attend Mrs Carrington. I am sure it will be a relief to Mr and Mrs Hobbs to have another pair of hands.”
“Mrs Carrington, sir?”
“A young widow in need of assistance. She gave birth here last night, and Georgiana was concerned for her wellbeing.”
As Darcy turned to stride in the direction of the inn, he missed his valet’s eyebrows rise in astonishment.
Chapter 4
Elizabeth argued with Mrs Hobbs the next morning, “I must leave. I cannot stay here occupying a room, and my family will be anxious for my return.” She was trying to rise from the bed, whilst Mrs Hobbs gently pushed her back down.
“Nay, dearie. ’Tis far too soon. I don’ hold with layin’ about for weeks on end, but a couple o’ days more, jest ta make sure ye will no’ fall with the fever.”
Tears began to leak from Elizabeth’s eyes. “What is wrong with me? I am not normally such a watering pot.” Allowing the older woman to settle her back in the bed, she lifted her son from where he slept in the centre of the mattress and held him close.
Patting the crying woman’s shoulder, Mrs Hobbs reassured her, “All new mamas feel this way. ’Tis the birthin’. It makes ye tired, an’ emotional. A rest’ll do ye good.”
Just then, a knock sounded on the door. “Ah, good, that’ll be the new maid, Hannah.” She went to the door but instead of letting anyone in, she stepped into the hallway.
“I jest got the young missus settled. Tsk, she was in a takin’. Insistin’ on takin’ ’er leave.”
This speech was met with cries of alarm from Georgiana, who was one of the party.
“Good morning, Mrs Hobbs,” Darcy rested a calming hand on Georgiana’s shoulder. “You asked us to return this morning to introduce Hannah to Mrs Carrington, as she had been sleeping when we came up yesterday.”
