Tears of joy sparkled in Elizabeth’s eyes as she cradled the tiny, squirming bundle against her chest. “William Edward,” she whispered, her voice filled with love.
Darcy leaned closer, overwhelmed by the sight of his wife and their newborn son. “He is perfect,” he murmured, emotion thick in his voice. “Just like his mother.”
Elizabeth smiled, her exhaustion forgotten as she looked down at their child. “Look at him, Fitzwilliam. He is the best part of both of us.”
“Yes, he is,” Darcy replied, his heart swelling with pride.
Once Elizabeth was helped into clean clothing and settled back into her chambers, the maid returned, cradling the now washed and swaddled babe. “Here you are, Mrs. Darcy,” she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she reached for her son.
Darcy joined her on the bed, his heart racing as he took in the sight of his wife holding their child. Elizabeth's face lit up as she cradled little William against her chest, and Darcy could not help but smile at the beautiful scene before him.
“Can you believe he is ours?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes shimmering with wonder.
“I can hardly comprehend it,” Darcy replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. “He is everything we have ever hoped for and more.”
Elizabeth looked down at William, her expression softening. “He is so small and fragile,” she murmured. “I want to protect him from everything.”
Darcy nodded, understanding her sentiment. “We will do everything in our power to keep him safe. He is our greatest responsibility now.”
Followingher conversation with Mrs. Allen, Jane wrote to her sister to apologise for her previous attitude, acknowledging the insights she had gained in the weeks since their last exchange. This letter led to a thawing of relations between Jane and Elizabeth, bridging the gap that had formed between them. Jane was overjoyed to learn that Elizabeth had given birth to her son, William Edward Darcy, just a few days before Christmas.
Elizabeth congratulated her elder sister on her courtship with Mr. Collins and expressed her delight that the two would likely marry the following summer. Despite the invitation to attend Jane’s wedding, whenever it might occur, Elizabeth had to decline. With a newborn to care for, the Darcys had no intention of travelling to London until after William’s first birthday. The thought of navigating the bustling city with a young child seemed daunting, and Elizabeth wished to create a serene environment at Pemberley for their son’s first year.
However, in a gesture of goodwill, Elizabeth extended an invitation for Jane and Mr. Collins to visit Pemberley in the autumn. Elizabeth hoped it would be a delightful opportunityfor their families to bond, and she was eager to introduce her son to his aunt. Jane, touched by the invitation, promised to discuss it with Mr. Collins, but since their future together was still uncertain, she neither accepted nor declined the offer.
As the days passed, Elizabeth embraced her new role as a mother, cherishing every moment with her son. The winter season brought its own magic to Pemberley, with snow blanketing the grounds, and the warm glow of the hearth filling the house with a comforting light. Elizabeth would often find herself gazing out the window, dreaming of the adventures that awaited William in the years to come.
In her letters to Jane, she shared stories of the baby’s milestones—the first time he smiled, the way he cooed when she sang to him, and how Darcy could spend hours simply watching their son, his heart full of love and pride. Elizabeth’s joy was infectious, and Jane found herself swept up in her sister's happiness, longing to hold her nephew and share in the laughter that echoed through Pemberley’s halls.
While the invitation to Pemberley remained an open promise, Elizabeth felt assured that no matter the distance or the time apart, the bond between sisters would continue to strengthen. Their hearts were woven together by love and shared experiences, each anticipating the moments that would unite their families in the future.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
JANUARY 1810
Just after the new year, Collins proposed to Jane and was accepted. Initially, the two planned to wait to marry until summer when all her sisters would be home, but Mrs. Bennet made it necessary for the marriage to occur sooner. Her insistence that the wedding be some grand event that surpassed all other events in Meryton was a constant cause of strife at Longbourn. After only a month of this, Collins and Jane came to a decision.
By marrying while Longbourn was still technically in mourning, they would be able to settle the argument about the extravagant wedding and move Mrs. Bennet into the dower cottage earlier. When Mrs. Bennet was informed of these plans, she had been incensed.
“Mother, I no longer wish to argue about my wedding,” Jane began, glancing at her intended, Mr. Collins, and her aunt for support. They had decided to be present to help her confront Mrs. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet smiled, thinking Jane was ready to yield to her insistence for a grand wedding. But Jane continued, “Mr. Collins and I have decided to purchase a common license and marry as soon as possible. Mr. Allen has agreed to perform a quiet ceremony. Since you are still in mourning, we will forgo a celebration, especially since you have not listened to our suggestions for a wedding breakfast. After we marry, you will move to the dower cottage. The renovations are complete, andyou will have two maids, a cook, and a manservant. You will manage just fine with this staff.”
Mrs. Bennet’s smile faded. “What of my allowance, Jane? Am I to pay for the servants out of my pin money?”
“Longbourn will cover the servants’ costs. The home farm will supply your food, but you will need to pay for anything extra out of your own pocket,” Mr. Collins explained.
“What about my clothing and other necessities?” Mrs. Bennet pressed.
“Those will also come from your own funds. I have approved three new dresses for June when your mourning ends. Jane will accompany you to the dressmaker to discuss what we will cover,” Mr. Collins replied. “The estate’s income is improving, but unlike the previous master, I will not be coerced into spending more.”
Mrs. Bennet flailed her handkerchief. “You cannot mean to do this to me, Jane. You will need me to manage Longbourn. I am an excellent hostess, and my counsel is invaluable.”
“Mother, I have been managing Longbourn since Papa died. Mrs. Hill taught me how to run the household, and Mrs. Allen showed me how to be a proper mistress. You have ignored my efforts while pressuring me to host a grand celebration. You declared me ruined due to my scars, and it seemed what I did mattered less after that.”
“Your rapid marriage will disgrace the family,” Mrs. Bennet protested.
