Sweetest Devotion

Chapter 1

January 1813

Meanwhile at Pemberley

Darcy began to stir as Morpheus released its hold on his conscious mind. For a moment, he appreciated the warmth and comfort that surrounded him. But as the warmth threatened to haul him back into his slumber, he fought even harder against the lure of sleep. The more he fought, the more aware he became. His eyes adjusted to the soft light of the fireplace as it seeped in through the curtains surrounding his bed. His arms cried out, alerting him to the discomfort of his current position. The gentle breathing of the persons besides him reminded him that he was not alone. He felt the limb of his bedroom companion pressed against the small of his back. As he reached behind, he tried to ascertain what he could of the person he was sharing his bed with. The small limbs his hand met, offered no clue as to the identity of the person who had so encroached upon his territory that he was all but on the floor.

Slowly, so as to not disturb his neighbour's rest, he turned and was presented with his daughter's knee pressed up against his chest. Lifting his hand to the curtains of the bed, he pulled them aside and the light revealed he was sharing his bed with his daughter and his eldest son.

He paused for a moment to appreciate the sight before him. His daughter slept with her left thumb in her mouth, the dark curls of her hair in disarray, (the nurse's braids were not as secure as her mother's) and her right hand spread across three-quarters of his pillow. Philip lay next to her, with one hand above his head and the other wrapped around his sister. It was a precious sight to wake up to. But he had to wonder; what fear had chased them from their own beds and into his own?

He looked up to see that the space where his true companion should be, was empty. There was no need to speculate as to her current location. In fact, if he listened closely he could hear her in the adjoining room that served as the baby's nursery.

Gently, he lifted his daughter unto his chest that he might have room to lay on his back. As he stroked his daughter's tangled hair, he worried about his wife. She took too much upon herself. He could not imagine how much sleep she would have received, but it was certainly not enough. He always felt guilty about the fact that he was never awoken by their children's cries. From the time he laid his head to sleep, till the precise time he awoke, there was very little that could rouse him.

He listened as a door opened and smiled; Elizabeth was humming again. Where she found the energy to be so cheerful, he could not imagine. He was forever amazed by her. He watched as the light she brought drew closer and closer and waited for her to draw the curtains surrounding her side of their bed.

When her face was revealed to him, his smile widened as a feeling surged through him; she was more beautiful today than yesterday. His eyes travelled from her face to the happy baby in her arms, and there was never a more beautiful sight.

"Good morning," she whispered as she walked towards him. He rose gently, trying not to disturb his girl, and received her kiss and their son. He turned and kissed his son on his forehead receiving the baby's delight, "our bed is full," he observed as she drew the curtains of the window to welcome the light that would eventually come.

"Yes," she replied trying to avoid his gaze.

They had talked about it; he did not feel the children should be encouraged to sleep in their bed. However, she maintained that she did not have the heart to reject her children when they came seeking comfort from whatever terror that had disturbed their sleep. It was a battle he had lost before he had even arrived on the battlefield, he acknowledged that fact. But he still maintained that the reasons for their children fleeing their rooms during the night became more and more unfounded.

"Evelina woke up crying and she would not be consoled by anyone, and I woke up to find Philip in our bed." She justified as she returned to his side.

"Hmm." He replied not convince. "I do have to wonder why our children always seem to end up on my side of the bed." He took hold of her hand when she turned away from him, a slight smile on her face.

"I have no notion of what you speak of." She demurred, watching the baby as he chewed on his fist.

"Is that so. Well, I wonder, will I ever wake up with you in my arms again? There always seems to be something between us." He said kissing the hand he held in his. They stared at one another reminiscing about the past that was gone too quickly. The sight of his children sleeping was precious to him, but it paled in comparison to waking up to the honey and lavender fragrance of Elizabeth's curls tantalising his nostrils, and her head resting against his heart.

Lost in his thought, he was surprised when she lifted their son from his arms and deposited him into one of the many cradles that could be found dotted around their homes. Unsure of her intention, he watched as she placated their son with his thumb. When she was sure he was appropriately soothed, she returned to him, took hold of his hand and pulled him off the bed. Together they walked to her side of the bed, which was relatively child free, and she pulled him down after her.

"It is not what we were used to," she whispered once they are secured in each other's arms, "and I can imagine it will be some time before we will be each other's only companion, but I see no reason why I cannot rest in my husband's arms for some time." He kissed her deeply and held her tightly.

He did not know when they returned to sleep. But they were awoken by their eldest son climbing over them, in his attempt to go and soothe his younger brother; who, it appeared, had been crying for his parents' attention for some time.

As expected, James' cries woke up and induced his older sister's tears, and with the room submerged into chaos, forcing the Darcys to welcome the new day.

As Darcy made his way to the family room to break his fast with his wife, he made a stop at the nursery to see how Evelina was getting along. Her eating habits could be so unpredictable and when she forgot that eating was not optional, he was the only one who could induce her to remember the necessities of food. Once he was assured that all was well, he continued on his way.

"Good morning, Papa," Philip stood to cheerfully greet him as he entered the family room. His plate was already filled, but he had waited patiently for the arrival of his parents.

"Good morning, son." He replied, before dismissing the footmen that had awaited his entry. The door opened shortly after they had left and Elizabeth entered.

Once they were all seated she asked, "how is Evelina?"

"Settled, and James?" He asked as he watched her serve his plate.

"Settled."

After he had blessed their meal, Philip enthusiastically tackled his mountain of food.

"What are your plans for the day?" She asked as she added some apples to the rolls, eggs and ham on Philip's plate.

"I will be making my final tour of the estate with Mr Roland." They had been making their final preparations before they left for the season, and since he expected to be away for the full season, he wanted to ride with his steward so that they might finalise their plans for the new year. "Is everything on schedule for our departure?"

"I believe it is. But in any case, whatever is yet to be done will have to be postponed."

"Hmm. I have no objections to delaying our journey for a few days if you require the time." He could not imagine the work required in preparations for travelling with three small children. He oversaw the transportations and accommodations, whilst she took charge of everything else, and he was under no illusions as to who had the more difficult task.

"No, that will not be necessary. I just need to speak to Mrs Reynolds about the upcoming cleaning schedule and all my duties will be done."

"So you are determined to make a change?"

"I believe change is necessary."

He had to agree with her, but he could not imagine Mrs Reynolds would be pleased with the reminder of the biggest mistake of her time as his housekeeper. It happened last year during the cleaning of the exterior of the house. It was progressing in the way it had always happened, even before he was born, and there lay the problem. The exterior of the house was being cleaned in the same manner that it had been cleaned before the addition of the two new wings to the house. The incident was so predictable; it was surprising that it had not occurred sooner. But as with such avoidable occurrences, it was fatal in its destruction. The cleaning was suspended and the estate was thrown into a time of mourning. The incident had caused Elizabeth to undertake a review of the way things were done on the estate, ruffling a few feathers as she did so, but it was very necessary. The safety of the people who worked on his land was of great importance to him.

They settled into their meal and when she picked up her letters, he picked up his paper.

"Georgiana and Kitty are well," she informed him as she read, "Georgiana says she looks forward to our arrival, but I cannot imagine what we will find."

"If you had some apprehensions, I wonder why you gave her free rein to decorate as she saw fit." They had allowed Catherine and Georgiana to remain in town after Lydia's wedding so that they might decorate the house for the season.

She chuckled, "I am not worried about what she will choose, but rather the bill you will receive. But she was right, the decorations were outdated. I should have made those changes last year, in preparation for their season, but other things took priority."

"Well we have no need to worry about the cost, I expect Mr Thomas to inform me before Georgiana's spending throws us into debt."

She smiled sweetly as she put aside his sister's letter and opened another. He returned to the article he was reading before he was interrupted by a squeal of excitement. He shared a look of confusion with Philip at her unprecedented poor table manners.

"Amelia will be coming to town after all." She explained with great joy. "I am so very glad! After the news of Lord Durham's expected return from Scotland, I had feared that she would seclude herself. But she is refusing to be intimidated. Which is very well, for she has done nothing to offend society that requires her seclusion. I am very happy, for both our sakes, letters are such a poor substitute."

"Well, Philip and I share in your joy." He informed her, as he basked in her unadulterated bliss as she read more of her letter. When she laughed, he smiled, and her sigh of contentment as she came to the end of her letter warmed his heart.

"All will be well." She said to no one in particular, and he hoped that it would be so. But the complexities of the Durhams' marriage should not be underestimated.

Once they had finished their meal, they separated to their respective task.

"Papa!" Evelina cried with joy as he arrived at the nursery door to see the nurse clearing the breakfast trays. He crouched to receive her hug before he lifted her into his arms, as the nurse left them.

"Did you eat all your food?"

"Yes, Papa."

"Good girl." He kissed her as she rested her head against his chest, her curls tickled his chin as he tightened his arms around her. Her curls were no longer the disorganised mess that she had awoken with, but just like her mother's they could only be tamed so far. Despite what Elizabeth may say, Evelina was her mother's daughter in every sense of the word.

Strangely, amongst his children, it was Philip who he believed resembled him the most, and it was only strange because he had not fathered him. But that seemed inconsequential as Philip grew to look every bit like a Darcy. James had inherited his blond curls and blue eyes from the Fitzwilliam family tree and so he bore no resemblance to either of his parents. Despite Evelina's darker curls, she looked so much like her mother, except her eyes; he had gifted her with his eyes.

"You want to see my dolls?" Evelina asked raising her head from his shoulders.

"Yes, let me see them." He smiled as he set her on her feet, it was their daily ritual. After she had finished her food, to the nurse's satisfaction, he would join her to greet her dolls. She always laughed as he bowed before all three of them, and sometimes she could be so enthralled by her laughter that her responding curtsy would find her tumbling to the floor.

Maria, Janie and Anna were very precious to her, and so forbidden to the dogs and her elder brother. He had just enough time to join the ladies whilst they took their tea, and when some of her brother's stolen soldiers joined the tea party, he politely left her to continue in her role as hostess.

"Papa, may I ride with you today?" Philip asked as he walked past the schoolroom. He turned to see his son standing very straight with his arms behind his back, it was a posture he took on when he was doing something of great importance. It was a stance he had learned from his father.

"It would be a long day of riding and I cannot imagine there will be much to entertain."

"Please, Papa." He relaxed and was once again a boy of five.

"Very well, you may ride with me." His exuberance was great indeed, and Darcy was just about to call out, that it would be some time before they went riding and he was still expected to attend his lessons before his son was off; no doubt in search of his riding clothes. He laughed as a severe looking Mrs Hopkins stepped out of her classroom. "I will be taking Philip with me this afternoon." He informed her and gracefully accepted her insincere disapproval.

As he made his way to his study, he had to agree with his wife; there was much about their behaviour with their children that could be considered common and beneath their dignity. Yet he saw nothing wrong in occasionally joining his daughter for tea with her dolls, and he felt his son could respect him without fearing him. They were happy. Very happy indeed and as long as they did not display their strange behaviours with their children to all and sundry, then society could not fault them.

He had spent some time looking over the reports from the various estates that were owned by his family. They had been discussing what improvements they could make on all their lands and he was contemplating investing in some new ventures. His reputation as a rather liberal businessman had made him the target of many ideas and proposals. Such was the nature that it took some time to sort the wheat from the chaff.

He had just about reached the end of his patience when the door of his office opened and his wife stepped in with James in her arms. She was followed by Ginevra, their son's nursemaid, with a plate of sweet treats. He smiled up at his wife; there were many changes the addition of more children had necessitated in their life, but whenever possible, he still sat with his wife to discuss the progress of their estates.

"Thank you, Ginny, that will be all," Elizabeth said once the maid had placed the snacks before him. He took out his pocket watch and was surprised to see how much time had gone by.

"How was your meeting with Mrs Reynolds?" He asked as he stretched forth his hand to collect their son. When James protested the separation from his mother, he had to smile; the tide had turned. It was not so long ago that Evelina rejected anyone but him.

She took the chair across him then replied, "as well as I could have hope for. She will be implementing the changes I have suggested and so the cleaning of the outside windows and roof should be done before we return. I also encouraged her to change the plan as necessary. I can safely say everything is prepared for us to leave on Thursday."

"Very well, we will leave as planned."

"I know, I do not relish the thought of the upcoming season, nor the demands of society…"

"…but once Georgiana and Kitty are married we may forgo the season for a time and remain at Pemberley." He finished with a warm smile before picking up another treat before him. "Philip will be riding with me this afternoon," he informed her.

"I doubt he has the stamina for the journey you intend to take."

"I know he does not. But, he is excited and it will be awhile before he can ride again, so I decided to indulge him. When he becomes too tired he may ride with me."

"Very well, I will expect to hear tales of your great adventure."

They were entertained by their son's babbling for some time before they discussed the more important matters. They had planned to bring many modern inventions to the estate. The Kitchen was to receive a Bodley stove, and all the family bedchambers, as well as some guest chambers, were receiving water-closets and bathrooms*. These were part of the changes that had been implemented in London and since it had proved to be a safe and efficient investment, they bowed to the fashion of the ton. They discussed what impact these changes would have on the estate and other renovations that would be happening around the estate. They agreed it would be wiser for the estate to be closed to visitors until all the renovations had finished.

Their meeting was drawn to a close at the insistence of their son, and as she returned him to the nursery to rest. Darcy went in search of their other son. Struck by a sudden inspiration, he made a detour to the gardens and when he had obtained a single red rose from the hothouse, he stole into Elizabeth's study and placed the rose upon her desk next to the words, I love you.

His smile followed him all the way to his impatient son, and they both went to change into their riding habit.

It was as cold as to be expected for January and as he helped Philip unto his mount, he worried it might be too cold for the boy.

"Are you sure you wish to accompany me?" He asked. "We can still ride another time before we leave for London."

"Please, Papa, I would like to come." He saw his son gather his courage and determination before he handed him his reins. Once he mounted his own horse, all three of them set off at a gentle pace, counting the foxes they observed as they rode through Pemberley's woods.

Their first action for the day took them to the Stanway and Henley farm. The two families had lived on Pemberley's land for generations and their respective plot was divided by a fence. A fence that had the curious ability to become damage without the slightest provocation. The fact that the fence mysteriously became damage right around the time of any bad harvest or loss of livestock was the main cause of strife in otherwise cordial men. The last time the fence fell, the sheep of both farmers had intermingled and since they shared the same breed, it took the wisdom of Solomon to determine just how the livestock was to be divided in a satisfactory manner.

Darcy seldom felt the need to step into the situation between the two families, for if grievances were to be tallied none would find their hands free of blood. However, Mr Stanway's new young wife was not willing to accept the inexplicable fragility of the fence, and she had spoken to Elizabeth about her discontent. He could understand the position she found herself in, with many mouths to feed – most of them the farmer's children – no loaf could be spared.

However, he did not appreciate her involving his wife, but his people had quickly learnt that that was the fastest way to gain his attention. As they trotted onto the Stanway's farm, Darcy observed the surroundings. All was as it should be; the farmhouse was not in disrepair, nor were there any barns in need of major repairs. Their arrival drew out the dogs, chickens and children and when they came to a stop, Mr Stanway's eldest son, Samuel, stood to greet them in his father's stead. Once he helped Philip off his horse, he acknowledged the approaching farmer.

"Mr Stanway."

"Mr Darcy, sir, to what do we owe the pleasure."

"We have come to see how the fence is coming along." The look of surprise on the farmer's face was as expected – he had no knowledge of his wife's complaint.

"Aye, well. 'Tis all well and good, sir."

"Then there should be no future problems." He said with a pointed look at Samuel, who had remained in the background of their conversation after he had led their horses away from the farm house and the children. He knew that Mr Stanway was too old to bear the blame for the felled fence, so the recent damages were likely the work of the next generation. He looked up to see the farmer's wife appear just outside the door holding a small child in her arms. She was a child herself; more suited to being Samuel's wife than his father's, but that was the way. Taking pity on her, he did not inform Mr Stanway that his wife was the reason for his presence. But he informed the man that he and Mr Roland would be examining the fence to ensure its stability, and from then on he did not expect there to be any problems.

It was a pronouncement his father and grandfather had made, but the fence seemed to defy them, so he had no expectations of his word being law in this instance. They would have to find another way to appease the new Mrs Stanway.

After a politely greeting Mrs Stanway, they made their way to the outskirts of the land, that they might complete their task. In this, they were, suspiciously, joined by Samuel and two of his younger brothers.

Clearly intimidated by boys much older and taller than him, Philip was quick to walk by his side, taking his father's hand as soon as his smaller legs caught up to his father's pace.

"Papa, what are we doing?"

"We are going to check on a fence," he smiled to reassure his son, "we shall not be long and I do believe there will be some pies in our next destination."

The promise of food was all that it took to restore Philip's good humour and to remind him of his curiosity about his surroundings. It did not take long for the youngest of the Stanway boys to join them, his curiosity equally peeked and when Philip released his hand, Darcy was happy for them to trail behind; entertaining one another with stories of their different adventures.

They found the fence just as they had expected; workable but with clear points of weakness. It did not reflect the reports of the total refurbishment they had received, and his queries with Samuel left him dissatisfied, to say the least. Elizabeth was right; it had reached the point where it was no longer acceptable. After a discussion with Mr Rolland, it was agreed that the estate would cover the cost of its replacement. Both farmers would be informed that if the fence was felled, no matter the culprit, both farms would be charged. It was not a permanent solution, and considering the families' history, there might never be. But he expected the new fence, once in place, to last at least a year.

Once he had extracted both farmer's begrudging compliance, that they would be equally responsible, he collected his son – who was busy chasing chickens – and they took their leave. To soothe Mr Stanway and Mr Henley's egos Darcy had agreed to employ two of their sons to build the fence. He hoped the younger generation might respect that which they built with their own hands and be less likely to destroy it for the sake of convenience.

They rode for ten minutes before they arrived at their next destination. But it was clear to see that Philip had had his feel of riding, he had relaxed his hold on the horse's rein and was no doubt being led by the horse, who was wise enough to know to follow after Darcy's mount. When they arrived at the Sherwood's' farm, they found many had gathered by the new barn.

The Sherwood had been one of the families who had incurred some damages due to a fire that occurred on the day is daughter was born, almost two years ago. Mr Sherwood was a proud man, so he had rebuffed any assistance from the estate to cover the damages caused by the fire. So it had taken almost two years to ensure the completion of all the necessary repairs. With the new barn signalling the last of the repairs, many had come to celebrate with the family. Despite the cold, men had gathered around with drinks in their hands and laughter on their lips.

As Darcy alighted he was greeted by Mr Sherwood and called upon to admire the fine barn. It stood steady and secure, a great evidence of the master's pride. Yet Darcy congratulated him on the fine workmanship and collected the offered drink. The other tenants gathered around, welcomed his steward and son before Mr Sherwood hinted at pies and cakes the ladies were serving in the house.

Excusing himself to escort his son, they were welcomed by the buxom lady of the house – who strongly resembled his mother in law in look and manner. She welcomed them exuberantly and fussed over Philip's presence in her humble home. Once the lady of the house allowed him to speak, he greeted her and the other women present, extending his well wishes to them and their respective family. That they were surprised to see him, and not his wife, was evident on their faces, but their hostess was quick to remember her duty and offer them some refreshments. Philip was happy to accept the pies she offered and when he noticed the familiar face of Mrs Lowell and her son, he rushed to her side to greet his friend.

Mr Lowell, his parson and his wife had been blessed with a young boy, William, and a new baby Casandra. The close age group had allowed Philip to gain a close friendship with their son. Whenever the two were in the same vicinity it could be assured that mischief would ensue.

Mindful of the daylight that was quickly fading away, Darcy asked Mrs Lowell if she would be so kind as to see to Philip whilst he and Mr Roland continued their tasks for the day. Once she agreed, Darcy left with Mr Rolland promising to return in an hour.

There was no hope of them finishing all that they had intended for the day, but without Philip, they were able to move at a much quicker pace. The essential tasks that required his presence were tackled first, and all the improvements that were expected to take place in the coming year received the final approval for the commencement of the work.

The sun was on the horizon when Darcy finally returned to the parson to collect Philip. There was one last place Darcy wanted to take his son before they returned home. He thanked Mrs Lowell for her help, before helping his tired son unto his horse; he imagined playing with his friend was more tiring than a day of riding.

"There is one more place you should see, Philip." He encouraged as the horse followed after them.

When they arrived at the Dowager House, Darcy watched his son's expressions. The timing was just right. The setting sun cast an ethereal glow over the old Gothic stone house. The menacing looking shades the tree cast over the dirty three story stone house, and the distinct sounds of the wildlife that had gathered in the neglected gardens of the house, added to the effects he wanted. The house had been abandon for some time now, as the last five Darcy wives had preceded their husbands to the grave. So when the necessary upkeep was abandoned, the house took on a very haunted look that became a favourite spot for many childhood games. Darcy thought that the house might have even been left in its state of disrepair, because of the endless hours of fun each succeeding master had had in the house.

But the house was no longer safe for child's play, so it was being torn down and rebuilt. The architect, Charles Barry, was quite young to be trusted with such a momentous task, but Darcy had been so impressed by drawings he had exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, he decided to take a chance with the young man, and he was not disappointed. But Darcy could not help but be disappointed that his children would not be able to enjoy the house as he had. So, he had to ensure that at least one of them would see it.

Despite is tired state, Philip maintained his look of awe as he alighted from his horse and stood before the dark cracked stairs. The chill wind swirled between them as Darcy said, "it's haunted you know." His son's dark green eyes widened in surprise as he took an almost imperceptible step backwards. As if to cement Darcy's statement, one of the shingles of the roof rattled but did not fall.

"Would you like to go in?" Darcy asked and Philip shook his head. "Nothing will harm you whilst I am here." He promised and was happy when Philip slipped his small hand into his own. Together they made their way up the steps and when the heavy wooden door creaked as it opened, Philip tightened his hold on his father's hand.

The sunlight that flooded in through the stained windows, provided the perfect ambience for the room as the cobwebs and dust surrounded them. Philip cried as the floor beneath them creaked and drew closer, wrapping his arm around his father's. He waited as Philip assessed that there was, in fact, no immediate danger. As he loosened his grip Darcy concluded that they were at the end of their tour. The stairs leading to the first floor were no longer safe, neither were the floor of the adjacent rooms.

"Let's go home son," Darcy said as he gathered his son in his arms and turned towards the door.

"Are there ghosts living there?"

"Yes." Darcy replied as he settled his son on his own horse, "but never fear, Pemberley is always protected."

"Good." He replied, not too traumatised by the house. When Darcy settled behind him, Philip extended his hand and tried to click his two fingers for his horse's attention. He barely made a sound, but the horse needed no prompting to follow them.

As father and son made their way back home, Philip regaled him with tales of all that had occurred in his time with the Lowells.

They were greeted by Elizabeth upon their arrival and Philip barely drew breath from the tale he was telling his father before he began the promised tale of the day's adventure. By the time they had reached the nursery, Philip had told of how they had actually fought ghosts at the haunted house they had visited. He made sure to reassure his mother, the nurse and his sister that they were all perfectly safe, for him and his father had been very brave.

By the third retelling - for Mrs Hopkins had walked into the room - Darcy left the room with such warmth in his heart, comforted by the knowledge that his son had indeed enjoyed the haunted house.

"Thank you for my rose." He turned to see that his wife had followed him. He pulled her into his embrace, and there in the hallway, he leant in for a kiss.

"How was your day?" He asked against her lips.

"Certainly not as exciting as yours." She laughed. "There were neither ghost nor dragons to slay at Pemberley."

"I was quite surprised at the appearance of the dragon myself." He laughed as he pulled her along with him, she chuckled as she attempted to keep up with his hurried pace. "I missed you today." He said as he pushed her against the door of their bedroom.

"Is that so." She replied breathlessly as his kisses trailed from her lips to her décolletage. She stilled his hands, but only after they had pulled the shoulders of her dress a little further down. "You need to change and dress for dinner." She laughed when he nibbled her bare shoulder. "You returned later than I expected."

"And what would we have been doing if I had arrived earlier?" He asked as the dark pebbles of his eyes melted her beneath his gaze.

"Oh, I don't know." She said as she took hold of his cravat and loosened it. "We would have thought of something." She laughed as he growled and returned to assaulting her dress.

Somewhere somehow, the faint sound of crying could be heard. He felt the moment her maternal instincts took over and cursed in his mind as he released her. His sigh must have been audible, for she took hold of his arms and squeezed them slightly.

"Later," she promised as she righted her appearance. When there were no more hairs out of place, he ensured that no trace of disappointment could be seen on his face as she walked out the door.

He was still waiting for later.

Dinner was served on time and as usual, Philip took the reins of the conversation. He had half expected his son to have gone to bed after such an eventful day, but Philip always rallied. So Darcy turned his mind away from his disappointments and into enjoying a meal with his loved ones.

As he made his way to the family room, he half hoped the nurses had persuaded the children to retire early. They usually spent their evenings together as a family. He would read to his wife and children, or one of the ladies would play for them. Lately, he had been teaching Philip how to play chess, it was a precious time, but he craved a night with his wife.

When he arrived at the family room, he paused to see Philip laying on the floor as he entertained his little brother. Philip was smacking his lips right in front of James, the resulting loud sound caused the baby to dissolve into peals of laughter which in turn caused Philip to laugh. The cycle began again as he stepped into the room to see his wife equally enthralled by them as she observed them from her place on the chaise. They continued much in the same vain until little James laughed so hard he toppled over, luckily Elizabeth had secured their son's precarious balance by placing cushions all around him. So, his head landed safely and softly. Darcy was about to rise to right the baby when his brother helped him to sit.

"That's enough now, Philip." Elizabeth mildly chastised as she stood to collect the baby.

The door opened once more and Evelina entered, accompanied by her nurse and dressed for bed. He thanked Nurse Laura before accepting his daughter into his embrace. As the nurse was about to close the door, two dogs came through, one running while the other moved with such grace and poise. Duke and Duchess were the only family dogs that were allowed such familiarity. He had initially bought Duchess as a present for Elizabeth, although the dog now shared her time with Evelina (when Evelina could remember to be gentle), and Duke was to be Philip's gun dog; when the time came for him to learn to shoot. However, years of playing had made the dog into a poor student, and he could no longer carry things in his mouth with the delicacy that was required for pheasant shooting.

So the children occupied their time with the dogs, even James fussed until he was allowed to join in the fun, whilst the parents looked on fondly.

"Papa, might we have a game of chess?" Philip asked when he had had enough of the dogs. He acquiesced and they moved to the corner of the room to begin their game. Philip was very much a beginner, so their games were limited in enjoyment for Darcy. But what he lacked in skill he made up for in enthusiasm and he tried not to make the same mistake twice.

With her brother gone, and the dogs settling down for the night, Evelina stood and asked her mother to read to her. James was placed in the cradle beside Elizabeth's feet and Evelina settled in her mother's arms.

They were the idyllic picture of the perfect loving family; with the dogs resting by the fireplace, the baby resting in its cradle and the young children receiving love and attention from their parents. Many times he would lift his head to appreciate the sight before him. He was always filled with warmth and always grateful to her for she had given him everything.

After some time, Philip's yawns came one after the other and he looked to see that Evelina was already asleep in her mother's arms.

"Time to retire," he whispered to those still awake. He stood to collect his daughter whilst she collected the baby and together they made their way to the nursery. It did not take long to settle the children into their beds. When they met again in their bedchamber, her fatigue was so palpable he said nothing as she curled into the bed and laid her head to sleep.

But his ever-present desire remained like a current underneath his skin. It was so strong that he made no effort to sleep. Extinguishing all the candles, except his bedside candle, he picked up some papers that he had brought along with him and settled to read what he could.

Darcy did not know how he heard the quiet knock on the door, but he imagined he must have only just shut his eyes. The candle beside him had barely any use left, but it was just enough for him to make his way to the door. He met his children and their nurse on the other side of the door. Evelina was crying in the nurse's arms and Philip was holding the light they had brought with them.

"What do we have here?" he whispered, mindful not to disturb his wife.

His daughter lifted her head to cry, "Papa," before she stretched out her arms for him. He did not know how long they had remained in their beds, but it could not have been for very long. Her snivelling broke down his defences and he collected her from her nurse.

"And what are you doing here?" He asked his son, hoping to limit the occupants in his bed.

"Protecting my sister," Philip proudly replied.

"Very well." He said, admitting defeat. With practised proficiency, Philip handed the candle to Nurse Laura and made his way onto the bed. Once all four of them were settled in the bed, Darcy doused the candle and settled to sleep.

"It's not so easy, is it." He heard Elizabeth whisper as his daughter snuggled in his side, and he chuckled.

No, it was not easy, but it was family and he would do anything for family.

Shame on you all for doubting Mr Darcy ;), and I am sorry for creating an environment where Mr Darcy's integrity could be called into question.

On a more serious note, this story will touch on some sensitive issues, and so I have marked it as angst. I will give warnings on the chapters that include sensitive issues so that you may skip what you do not like to read. Depending on how the story develops, the rating of this story may change. Please feel free to review and speculate as to the identity of the tall man in the tall hat.

*I am using for my reference guide, Georgette Heyer's Regency World and other resources.