I love you, Fitzwilliam.She mouthed the words, but he felt them in his soul. He kissed her wrist again and let her hand go, allowing her to sit back against the squabs. For the remainder of the drive neither paid any attention to their surroundings, lost as they were in each other.
That night after preparing for bed, Elizabeth entered Alex’s room. She stood at his cradle just staring at him breathing. At last, she permitted herself to release the pain and fear which had hounded her for many months.Gregory, I will always take care of him. I am sorry you are not here to see your son grow, but Fitzwilliam and I will raise him to be a good and honourable man. One you would be proud of.
With this heartfelt vow Elizabeth blew her son a kiss and returned to her room. She settled into bed with a heart lighter than she had felt since Lydia’s fall from grace.
~ / ~
TheTonwas soon gossiping about Elizabeth’s frequent appearances in Darcy’s company. It was well known the Matlocks and Carringtons were close, but Darcy’s odd behaviour made tongues wag and garnered a write up in the gossip column.
‘FD from Derbyshire has been seen with a very attractive widow. Is the widow and relative unknown inSocietythe reason for FD’s change in behaviour? The formerly dour gentleman smiles and laughs whenever he is with her. His dimples are enough to make a lady swoon. Are wedding bells in this couple’s future?’
Lady Matlock arranged an outing to the theatre before the season came to a close. Mr Bingley was invited to join them in the Matlock box, and he arrived early to escort Jane on his arm through the theatre.
“Charles, what a delight to see you this evening. And my dear Mr Darcy, it has been far too long since I have been in your company. Charles? Shall you not introduce me to your… companion?” The shrill, grating voice made Bingley’s skin crawl.
He froze, nearly choking on his anger. Without thought he looked deliberately at his sister, then just as deliberately looked away. A collective gasp echoed around the lobby at the obvious cut.
He smiled at Jane, a phantom of its usual bright cheer, “Shall we go up to our seats?”
The evening passed in good company, and no one mentioned the scene at the start of it. Each determined to delight in their outing and put the others at ease.
~ / ~
The next day, Darcy was in his study attempting to complete his work before visiting Elizabeth. The day was fine, and he hoped they might walk in Hyde Park with Alex. The boy was growing and changing every day. He had been away at school so much when Georgiana was this age and had not had the opportunity to see her grow curious about the world.
The door opened and bounced off the wall. “I am sorry, sir. I tried to stop him.”
Darcy’s butler stood in the open doorway looking stern. ‘Him’ was an incensed Bingley. Waving Lewis away, Darcy got to his feet to join Bingley at the drinks tray.
“Easy friend, it is still early.”
Ignoring him, Bingley swallowed his drink in one gulp. He placed the empty glass down, looking like he was debating over pouring another. With a rush of air Bingley exhaled. “Thatwoman.” He spat the word out.
“Your sister?”
“I had my man investigate. It seems she caught wind of your interest in Mrs Carrington and conned a friend into inviting her to stay. Ha! After last night, the ‘friend’ evicted her forthwith as Caroline is now labelled a social pariah.” Bingley shook his head sadly. “How are we even related?”
“Bingley, I support your decision to cut Miss Bingley off, but does she have a place to stay?”
“Why? Shall you offer her succour here?”
At the horrified look on Darcy’s face, Bingley laughed and clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Fear not. My man made sure she boarded the stagecoach back to the North. If she means to marry, her pick will have to be from amongst my aunt’s acquaintances.” Noting Darcy’s surprise, he continued, “I told her I would cut her, Darcy, but I am still her brother. Caroline is finished in Town. And good riddance. Still, I’d not see her living in the hedgerows.”
Shaking his head at Bingley’s innate goodness, Darcy’s brow furrowed. “Is Miss Bennet aware of your history with your sister? She grew up close with most of hers. She may not comprehend all that occurred last night.”
“I… never had reason to mention it.” Seeing Darcy’s frown, he asked, “Do you think Miss Bennet will be upset?”
“I think she would not have understood your very out-of-character behaviour. Not knowing you well or all that long, she might be confused, if not wary. The Bennet family has its own reasons not to trust.”
Bingley no longer looked angry; he now looked appalled. “I must get over there.”
“Clean yourself up and we will depart.” Glancing over at his desk, Darcy decided work can wait. Elizabeth was more important.
At Carrington House it was agreed for Darcy, Elizabeth and Alex to enjoy a walk, to afford Bingley privacy to speak to Jane, chaperoned by a maid. Tea would be taken in an hour’s time, when the trio returned.
Darcy and Elizabeth strolled through Hyde Park pointing our birds, trees and flowers to Alex. He showed the perfect amount of appreciation for a child of his age. Which is to say, barely any at all. He simply alternated between giggles, babbling and chewing on his little fist or Darcy’s chin.
“Fitzwilliam, I have heard from Mr Reynolds your under-steward. You certainly have a gem in him. He is not only a diligent worker, but he seems to possess excellent people skills. I had some reservations over the welcome he would receive at the estates, considering Lord Carrington’s negligence. Mr Reynolds smoothed everything over, assuring one and all we were adamant about rescuing both the estates and the tenants’ livelihoods.”
