Elizabeth rose. “I am going to our sister now. Send a servant if you have need of me.”
Elizabeth remained with Mary until dinner time.
Then she excused herself. “Mary, dear, I must leave you for a little while. I must go down to dinner and make polite conversation with Mr. Collins. Do you wish me to convey any message to him?”
“No, Lizzy. I have nothing to say to him.”
“Very well, sister. I shall return in about two hours.”
Miriam smiled. “Take your time, Mrs. Darcy. These babies shall not be born tonight. My expectation is that they will arrive sometime tomorrow. The good news is that both are now positioned head down for the birth.”
Elizabeth felt a surge of relief. “Thank you. I shall inform her husband of her condition.”
With that, she departed.
Chapter 54: The Long Vigil
Elizabeth was bathing when a tap sounded upon the connecting door.
“Come in,” she called. The soft tread of boots crossed the wooden floor. Though hidden from view, she recognized him at once. She knew the rhythm and weight of his footfalls as well as she knew her own heartbeat.
He came around the privacy screen and flashed her a grin. “Mrs. Darcy, you are looking very fine. Very fetching.”
Water ran down her face as she poured clean water from a jug to rinse the soap from her hair. Setting the jug aside, she wiped her eyes.
“Sir, you are exceedingly partial to me if, finding me in such a state, you still think me fine.”
His gaze traveled over her.
“Yes, ma’am. Very fine indeed.” He picked up the pitcher and filled it. “I see there is still soap in your hair. Shall I give you another rinse?”
Laughing, she said, “Yes, if you please.”
He poured the water over her head while she shielded her eyes with her hands. When he had finished, she pushed the wet curls from her face and asked, “Sir, would you hand me my towel? You have frightened Gibbs away.”
“She is not frightened, Elizabeth. She is well-trained and knows better than to remain in the room when your husband is present.”
She took the towel and dried her eyes with one corner. Then she rose and allowed the water to run from her for a moment before wrapping the towel about herself. He offered his hand and steadied her as she stepped from the copper tub.
“Mrs. Darcy, I am tempted to embrace you now, but as I am still covered in dust and dirt, and smell of the stable, I shall restrain myself. Reeves is drawing my bath at present. I understand your brother-in-law has arrived.”
She grimaced. “Yes, and he is as detestable as ever. I do not know how Mary shall endure living with him for the next forty years.”
“Darling, the human mind possesses a remarkable ability to adapt to nearly any circumstance. Regardless, we are given but one day at a time. Anyone can endure the trials of a single day.”
He kissed her wet mouth and then excused himself to bathe and dress for dinner.
That evening, Mr. Collins proved respectful and personable, answering the questions put to him while otherwise attending quietly to his meal. Elizabeth observed him closely and concluded that his agreeable conduct owed much to the presence at the table of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Selkirk.
When Elizabeth rose and led the young ladies from the room, the three gentlemen remained behind, enjoying a fine brandy while discussing the next day's hunt.
“Mr. Darcy, I should be interested in riding out with the hunting party tomorrow,” Collins said.
Darcy raised a brow. “Mr. Collins, Elizabeth informs me that your wife will most likely deliver tomorrow. Would you not wish to remain at her side?”
“To speak candidly, sir, the midwife has not permitted me entry to the lying-in chamber, citing that it is not considered proper. The hours of waiting are exceedingly tedious.”
“Very well, sir. You are welcome to join us. We expect it shall be a short day, as a storm threatens. Are you an experienced rider?”
