“There are many things. She is concerned that she is not prepared to manage the estate in her son’s place. Unlike me, she did not learn both the man and the woman’s duties in taking care of Longbourn. My father was not an attentive master, but he did teach me how to handle everything.” Elizabeth sighed. “She is also worried about my mother.”
“Ah.”
That single word told Elizabeth that her husband understood. “My sister wishes to do right by her son, and she can only do that if she is in complete control of the estate. My mother will not relinquish her role as mistress of Longbourn easily.” She stroked the back of his hand with her free one, tracing little circles all over.
“That is distracting, my dear,” he teased.
“Perhaps that is my design—to confuse you so that you bend to my every whim.” She turned to look at him, winking.
“It is working.” He smiled and leaned down, claiming her lips with his own. They spent several minutes in pleasant distraction before returning to their conversation.
“I am not unaware that staying in close proximity with my mother and younger sisters will be a sore trial,” Elizabeth confessed. “Yet, I cannot bring myself to deny Jane. The last nine months of her life have been difficult and now she asks for my assistance. How could I refuse?”
Darcy sat silently, his arm around Elizabeth and his fingers running up and down her arm. Finally, he spoke. “You were right to call me proud and arrogant. I thought myself above your family, above all the denizens of Meryton. I confess, I do not anticipate being subjected to… we hardly need to discuss that again. But I will do my duty and stand by your sister. If I can help her in any manner, it is my privilege to do so. I only ask for your patience. I may not be my best self.”
Elizabeth’s heart swelled as she gazed at him. “I could ask nothing more,” she said quietly.This man I could easily fall in love with,she thought to herself.Why, then, have I not succumbed to that happy state?
“We could speak to Mr. Bingley about staying at Netherfield Park,” she offered.
Darcy shook his head. “I would rather be at Longbourn. There is no telling what state we might find the books in, and it would be easier for Jane if we were present for any questions.” He fell quiet for a moment before changing the subject.
“Has a date for departure been set yet?” He continued to stroke her arm, sending pleasant sensations from her head to her toes.
“No. Henry is only a month old, and Jane has not yet been churched. I imagine she will wish to wait for another thirty days.”
“Perhaps after the harvest has been completed?”
She nodded. “I shall discuss it with Jane.” Impulsively, she sat higher and pressed her lips to his. “Thank you,” she said fervently.
He returned her kiss with one of his own, his eyes twinkling happily when he pulled away. “All will be well,” he promised, kissing her once more.
Yes,she thought.Yes, it will.
Elizabeth hastened to find Jane. Her sister had returned to her room and sat by an open window with Henry cradled in her arms.
“I must thank you for securing a wet nurse,” Jane said as Elizabeth approached. “Mrs. Moore says she will come to Hertfordshire. She has no family in Derbyshire and wishes for a change of scenery.”
“It was my pleasure.” Elizabeth leaned against the windowsill, her eyes on Henry. Thoughts of her own situation rose, and her hand came to her stomach.
“Have you told your husband your suspicions?” Jane’s question came unexpectedly, but Elizabeth remembered the conversation about their conjectures.
“I have not,” she confessed. “I have yet to feel the quickening but have reason to believe I am with child.”
Jane nodded. “Best wait if you are concerned. What is the result of your conversation with Mr. Darcy, if I might be bold enough to enquire? I confess, I am anxious about my future.”
“My husband has agreed that we may accompany you to Longbourn to ease your transition.” Elizabeth smiled and Jane gasped in happiness.
“I am so relieved! The worry has consumed me.”
“Have you any thoughts about a date for our departure? We would not wish to leave before you are ready.”
Jane considered for a moment before replying. “Perhaps November?” she asked. “I feel as though I need more time to recover. And Henry is still so small!” She tenderly caressed her son’s head.
“He looks very like you; do you not agree?” Elizabeth asked.
Jane nodded. “He does, though I believe his ears are very like his father’s.”
“I confess, I had not noticed.” Elizabeth shrugged. Ears were not something she readily paid attention to.Will my child have my ears?She raised a hand and traced one of her own, lost in thought.
