“Yes, cousin. Please continue to make your annual visits at Easter to review the books, though you are welcome to visit more often. I know that Mother made it difficult for you to visit more frequently, but she is no longer there, and you are married, so you can have no more reason to fear me.” This last was said insuch a solemn tone that it was difficult not to laugh at the face she made.
“Thank you, Anne. I am glad to continue my annual visit, and I hope it will be more pleasant in the future—in part due to my wife and the fact that, with you and so many of my sisters there, it will be far livelier than in the past.”
Anne grinned mischievously at him. “It should indeed be far livelier. Also, did anyone tell you about the fate of our former rector?”
“Former?” Elizabeth cried. “I confess, I had not thought of Mr. Collins since he left Lambton and have not written to Charlotte in some time. Did he never return to Hunsford?”
“He did. However, he disappeared only a few days later, shortly after the news arrived at Rosings that Mother was no longer in charge of the estate. As I understand it, he attempted to ‘rescue’ my mother from the manor in Wales, though how he discovered she was there, I do not know, since none of the staff at Rosings was informed of her location. The staff our uncle hired made it clear that no visitors were permitted without his express approval, so when Mr. Collins attempted to force his way into the house, he made it as far as the main stairwell before some of the footmen accosted him, only knowing he was an intruder. In the struggle, he fell, breaking his neck in the process.”
“Oh my!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “How terrible.”
“Is it?” Darcy asked coolly. “He was not a sensible man, Elizabeth, and was attempting to assist Lady Catherine, who we believe is responsible for two deaths in the family and for keeping her daughter ill for years, not to mention ordering yourown death. Perhaps I should feel sorry for the fool, but is the world not better off for his not being in it?”
“You may be correct, but it is sad that he died in such a way. He was distantly related to me.” She sat up suddenly. “Has anyone notified my uncles? Particularly my Uncle Phillips? Who will inherit Longbourn?”
“As I understand it, Uncle James has contacted Mr. Phillips and Mr. Gardiner. I know you have not been in contact with Mrs. Collins since you married, but she is with child, making the outcome of the entail dependent on the child she bears. I do not believe anyone has bothered to inform Mr. or Mrs. Bennet unless Mr. Phillips took it upon himself to do so,” Anne replied. “Mrs. Gardiner or Miss Bennet may know something when you see her on Monday.”
The conversation continued around them, about events they would attend and some shopping excursions, but Darcy noted Elizabeth’s silence and placed his arm around her, whispering, “Are you well, dearest?”
She sighed. “I was thinking of my father and wondering how he would react to this news. The letters from Longbourn’s steward indicate he is just as indolent as before. He simply sits in his study and reads, though he expressed frustration when the shopkeepers deny him any credit. My mother has written to my sisters, though not to me, which I cannot understand. She has not demanded that they return home, but she complains about how lonely she is.”
“Your uncle’s letters say she has bragged to the entire neighbourhood about her new connection to the Earl and Countess of Matlock and how all her daughters will marry well as a result. I do not know why she has not written to you, thoughI suppose your father may have done something to her letters to you. Is he angry enough to have done something like that?” Darcy asked curiously.
Elizabeth looked thoughtful and disappointed. “If he did, it would not be out of anger but out of pettiness. I will have to write to Aunt Phillips to ask her. She is not capable of subtlety, but perhaps she would be able to find out if Mama has written to me.”
Lady Matlock turned the conversation back to her plans for introducing Elizabeth to the ton, including the many shopping trips that would be required over the next weeks. After this went on for some time, Darcy felt Elizabeth sag tiredly slightly against him. She already hated the artifice of the ton that made all of this necessary, though she went along with it for his sake and Georgiana’s. Her acceptance would also eventually influence their children, so she listened to all the plans and nodded, hoping it would not be as daunting as it seemed.
When they arrived home later that afternoon, Darcy returned to the conversation about her father.
“Would you like to visit Longbourn, my dear?” he asked. “We could easily travel there for a day or two.”
“Yes and no. I feel we must visit before we return to Pemberley, if for no other reason than to check on the tenants and to ensure that all is well. Though I am uncertain of where she is staying, I would also like to see Charlotte and a few others in Meryton. I hope Mama will enjoy a visit. My birthday is soon, and I will be of age then, so there is nothing my father could do to me. However, if he is petty enough to take or destroy letters sent to me by Mama, then I cannot imagine that seeing him will bepleasant. He has always been sardonic, and now the full force of his biting wit will be turned fully upon me.”
“I will not allow him to abuse you, Elizabeth, nor will I let you face him alone. Whatever he has to say, he will say it to both of us.”
She smiled at him tenderly. “Thank you, William. I am so appreciative of your support. You will make an excellent father.”
He looked at her questioningly. Could she mean…?
“We have been married for several months, William. I have not had my courses since late June. While I have not yet felt the quickening, I received a letter from my Aunt Gardiner today in which she answered my questions about possible signs of the condition. Not only have my courses ceased, but my breasts are tender, and I have noticed of late that certain smells make me queasy. I have not yet cast up my accounts, but surely you have noticed I am a little more tired than usual.”
Darcy had not noticed any of those things. “Do you truly think…?” He trailed off, unwilling to say the words out loud.
“Yes, my dear, I think you may be a father before long. What… what do you think of that idea?”
He did not speak for a moment. He could not—his heart was too full. “Truly, Elizabeth?”
She only nodded.
He stood suddenly, bringing her with him. He gathered her in his arms and twirled her about. “Truly, Elizabeth? I will be a father? You are… you are with child?”
Again, she nodded, smiling lovingly at him. “Yes, William. It is not certain, but it is very likely.”
Darcy bent his head and passionately kissed her. Still holding her in his arms, he carried her into the bedroom, showing her exactly how pleased he was with her news.
Darcy feltthe ball to introduce Elizabeth to the ton was a success, though he judged that mainly on how beautiful his wife appeared in her dress and the fact that he managed to dance with her three times. This was quite scandalous in the eyes of some of the matrons of society, but Darcy had not cared. His lovely wife had been slightly embarrassed by his focused attention in front of so many, but she had allowed him to pull her onto the dance floor again for the supper and final sets.
Since the ball was in their honour, they had led off the dancing. From the moment their eyes met across the line, it had seemed the rest of the room faded away leaving only the two of them and the music. There were a few murmurings from the jealous harpies as they danced, but most acknowledged that after seeing the two together, they were well suited.
