Page 63

Some to the plough, dilly dilly,

Some to the fork

Some to the hay, dilly dilly,

Some to thresh corn

Whilst you and I, dilly dilly,

Keep ourselves warm.

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly,

Lavender's green

When you are King, dilly dilly,

I shall be Queen

Who told you so, dilly dilly,

Who told you so?

'Twas my own heart, dilly dilly,

That told me so.1

Hearing a deep sigh, Georgiana glanced up to find William in the doorway. She waved him forward as she stood and placed the child in her own small bed, laid a stuffed rabbit beside her, and pulled the satin counterpane over both. Having endured the tiring journey, Mille did not awaken, instead she turned to clasp the toy and snuggle deeper into the soft pillow.

Georgiana leaned in to caress the soft curls around her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. Straightening, she contemplated the child for a second before turning, walking to William, and immediately falling into his arms. Her body shook as she cried quietly against him. Tenderly he held her, rubbing her back until she calmed, then he led her out into the hallway so they could speak without fear of waking the sleeping child.

“Arthur assures me Millie will be well if he does not stay, but I will leave him here if it will ease your mind.” Georgiana was shaking her head no even before he finished.

“Forgive me if I frightened you by crying. I am sure she will do well. I was just overcome with joy as everything is just so perfect,” she managed through her tears. “I have longed to see a child in that bed for so many years and tonight…” A sob caught in her throat, and William pulled her back into a hug.

He murmured reassuringly, “You will be a wonderful mother.”

“I will do everything in my power to be the mother Millie needs.”

William lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “Of that I have no doubt.” She beamed. “I came to tell you that we are leaving. As I said earlier, I shall explain everything tomorrow, but tonight I wish to go home and sleep in my own bed.”

Standing on her toes to kiss his forehead, she then playfully pushed him back a bit. “Go home, Brother. You have done so much, and you will need your rest, as I have many unanswered questions. Tomorrow will come soon enough.”

He winked at her and turned. She took another step towards his retreating form. “I know you are anxious to learn how Miss Lawrence has fared while you were gone. We have not heard a word from Pemberley, so I can only assume all is well.” For the first time that evening, she saw worry cross his face.

“I have heard nothing either, but I am hopeful she is progressing.”

“I wish that as well, for your sake as well as hers. I have my art supplies ready. Perhaps I could call on her soon?”

“Perhaps.”

Pemberley

As the coach bearing its tired travellers stopped in front of Pemberley, it was already quite late, which deeply disappointed William. He had harboured hopes of arriving in time to say goodnight to Elizabeth. But as late as it was, she was most likely in her room preparing for bed if not asleep already. His glum expression was duly noted by Richard.

“Heavens, Darce! You look as though we have just arrived at Rosings! I thought you would be giddy with relief to be home!” His loud guffaws as they exited the coach caused the footmen standing at attention to steal glances at each other, then just as quickly, resume their stance as they saw Mr. Darcy’s frown.

“I am tired, Richard! That is all!”