"Anne," George Darcy roared in the hope his extremely loud voice would carry to wherever his wife was situated. It was, at best, a vain hope when the sheer magnitude and number of Pemberley's private rooms were considered, let alone the entire house.
To the best of his knowledge, Darcy's wife and mother had arrived from London shortly after luncheon. Lady Anne preferred to break her journey at Meadowbrook Mannor, the ancestral home of her brother, Lord Matlock, on the long trek north. The carriage would make good time over the thirty miles between the estates with the current travelling conditions. Occupied with affairs of business, Mr Darcy chose to complete his tasks before going in search of his wife. Dear Anne liked to remove all the dust from her travelling attire, and change into more appropriate clothing before greeting her husband, even after a month apart.
Looking down at the reason for his raised voice, Mr George Darcy noted the dark haired, chocolate eyed toddler hanging onto his leg. One sticky hand seized the remains of a treat. In the other she clutched a much loved, but tatty, rag doll. Curiosity filled her angelic face rather than fear at his lionish roar. Then a look of pure devilish pride covered her features as she stared back unconcerned by his severe countenance. The little Miss seemed to challenge his authority with childish delight. George Darcy would look back on this moment as one of the most significant in his life, for it was the instant he fell for the little imp.
"Anne!" once again George Darcy tried to summon his wife, from where he knew not, but surely, she must have the answer to this conundrum. The girl did not belong to any of Pemberley's many tenants or servants. At least, none he knew of.
"What is it, Dearest," a very harried woman entered through the portal into the study looking almost wild. Grey eyes finally spotting the object of her search, Lady Anne allowed an unimpressed frown to cover her face as she glared at the child hiding behind her husband's leg. "Oh there you are Miss Elizabeth. I do not know how you managed to escape Mary-Jane and the nursery. You are as bad as Fitzwilliam was at the same age. I can see we are going to have to keep our eyes on you, and a key in the door."
Looking up to the woman who resembled her sister Jane, the child attempted to say, "Fitz?" What came out sounded more like "its" and was accompanied by a childish giggle.
"Yes, Fitzwilliam," Lady Anne smiled warmly at the child, now her initial fright had subsided. Two minutes in the same room, barely introduced to each other's company, and Elizabeth developed an instant bond with her son. "I know you remember meeting Fitzwilliam in the nursery just now. But you must not run away from your maid in such a fashion. It is most unbecoming of a young lady."
"I doubt," Darcy smirked, patting the child's head, "this little one understands you."
"I mean to start," his wife allowed one eyebrow to arch suggestively, "as I will go on."
"Who," George picked up the child only to have her cuddle into his lap and hide her face in his chest, "is this? Have we started collecting children because we cannot produce any of our own? Really, Anne, if you had asked, I would have attempted to make one with you."
Laughing heartily at his suggestion, she allowed her mirth and sadness to mix in equal portions. "I believe we have practiced enough, husband. It is I who fail in my duty and fall short of reaching a confinement," Anne stated, a moment of pure melancholy crossing her expressive face. She'd come to terms with the situation after her seventh miscarriage and agreed her health took precedence. "Still, you have your heir. Fitzwilliam is a strong, stout young man. But that I could have given him brothers and sisters."
"I only want you to be happy," George shared her sorrow. "If it means picking up every stray child and orphan, then so be it. We have enough to go around for several children. I have to say, you have chosen well. This one looks as though she might have Darcy heritage," he pulled the child away so he could take a good look. The little girl squirmed, seeking a return to the comfort and warmth George provided. The act forced a smile, "and the Darcy spirit."
When his wife of six and ten years allowed her lips to curl into a teasing smile, George quickly chuckled. "You will have to look beyond me, Anne, to find her sire. For how could I stray when I warm your bed every night?"
"I concede the point. Allow me to introduce your cousin, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Her father is Mr Octavius Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, husband to your late aunt, Lady Elizabeth Montague," Anne stated in an amused tone. "You remember I have been writing to my old friend, Harriet Williams, the Dowager to that estate for some time. As you know, I planned to meet with her while at Darcy House in London on a matter of some import. Well, you hold that reason in your arms."
"Indeed," Darcy prized the child's head up, so he could look her in the eye. "I am glad to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth." Allowing the little one to once again burrow her head into his chest, George turned his attention towards his wife. "What has my mother to say on this subject?"
"You may ask her yourself when we take tea," Anne answered. "I confess, I withheld much of the Darcy links with Lord Montague's family in my communications to Longbourn. Until I introduced your mother to Mrs. William at Midland house last week, the Bennets had been quite ignorant of the strength of the connection between Miss Elizabeth and the Darcys of Pemberley. They have now been made aware, and surrendered the child willingly."
"You are a conniving woman, Anne," George smiled at her lovingly. "Am I to gather, this coup has been in the planning for some time?"
Sighing heavily, the lady attempted to coax the child from her husband lap. Elizabeth refused to be moved by the summons. "I am afraid the story is as old as time." Taking her time, Anne explained the history and how the new Mrs Bennet no longer wanted the product of a previous marriage in her home.
"So the man finally gave up his offspring for marital harmony," astonished, George stood, outraged. Cradling the innocent victim in a warm embrace, he carried the child to his wife so he could pace and consider this situation. Little Elizabeth had other ideas and refused to let go. Keeping the girl would affect more than the immediate family. This child, who was both his cousin and his mother's niece, required the protection of family. Pemberley had always taken care of its own. George Darcy had little doubt of his wife's intentions in bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire. "What possessed him to allow such a charming little girl out of his sight? If she were ours, I would not let her out of the house for fear someone would snatch her. What of Elizabeth's feelings in this transaction. Has she shown any signs of distress at this sudden separation from all she knows?"
"We have acquired two new servants," Anne reported. "Mary-Jane and Sara have tended Elizabeth all her life. I felt it best Elizabeth have some familiarity while settling in. Both servants are good, hardworking girls, devoted to the children. I wish to keep them on."
"This Bennet cannot be a man of sense," Darcy shook his head, bewildered. "Giving up his flesh and blood. Why does he not control his new wife? Still his loss is our gain."
"Yes," Anne grinned. "However, you must remember the talk when Aunt Elizabeth married so far beneath her. It is fitting, George, that young Elizabeth come to live with us. She will be accorded all she deserves and her proper place in society. However," the toddler, understanding she was the centre of attention, squirmed in Darcy's arms, "she is as slippery as an eel."
"So she takes after our Fitzwilliam, then," George smiled. He could remember his son's antics at the same age. "I guess she is related to the Darcy's, giving as much trouble as possible."
"I believe," Anne sighed heavily, noticing the nursery maid at the office door, "there is more I must acquaint you with." Indicating Mary-Jane should bring in the other child, Jane immediately held out her arms, requesting to be held by Lady Anne. Quiet by nature, the little girl found comfort only in Anne's embrace. "The new wife stated twin girls taxed her nerves beyond her ability to cope. Three days in a carriage with these two and their nursemaids, and I can understand the amount of work they cause. I think we need to add another maid to cope with Elizabeth alone."
"Good Lord," George's good humour fell from his face on seeing Jane, "that child could be a copy of you. Would you introduce me?"
"This is Elizabeth's twin sister, Miss Jane Bennet." Anne watched as the child shyly buried her head into her shoulder but peeked out to look at Mr Darcy with, wide blue eyes. "They are as different in looks and personality as chalk and cheese."
"That I can see," George frowned. He'd remembered his wife saying something about these two well over a year ago. When Anne ceased talking about them, the Master of Pemberley had put the children from his mind. He had not understood the common ancestry at the time. However the current discussion made him recall the ancient ties to that minor estate. "How long are we to keep them? I should not like to grow attached, only to then have to hand them back."
Worried at the contentment he saw on his wife face, Mr Darcy did not want Mr Bennet to come calling in a month or year, demanding the return of his children. In the space of three minutes, little Elizabeth had stolen his heart. George had always wanted a daughter with laughing eyes the same colour as his son's. Besides, Fitzwilliam needed the company of other children of his social strata. While he considered young George Wickham a favourite, he would amount to little more than a tradesman, no matter how much education he conferred on the boy. Elizabeth and Jane were family, genteel bred and destine to become the wives of Gentleman.
"Forgive my plain speaking," Anne looked decidedly angry, "but as long as this new wife lives, we are to keep Elizabeth and Jane. And I hope Mrs Bennet has a long and healthy tenure at Longbourn."
"As do I," Mr Darcy added, leaving his work for another day. After all, something as new and special as these two bewitching creatures only comes along once in a blue moon. The estate business can wait until tomorrow. For now, I should like to become better acquainted with my young cousins.
"I am complete now, Dearest," Anne sighed as they walked together towards the room used as a family parlour, each carrying a little girl. "If another child comes then so be it. With the addition of Jane and Elizabeth, I feel our family is perfect. Fitzwilliam has two sisters and a companion. Four children in the house is more than I ever could have wished for."
"Which of these two amusing ladies is eldest," George asked, content to see his beloved Anne happy. They had not particularly cared for each other at the beginning of their marriage. Matched on wealth and consequence by their parents, it was with time and familiarity that respect and affection grew, which finally turned to love. Now neither could imagine a life without the other.
"Jane, but only just," Anne smiled down at the child in her arms. They had entered the room used exclusively for the time spent with Fitzwilliam. He termed it their family parlour, and so it was to stay for many years to come.
Taking a seat, Anne indicated her husband should share the chaise with her. "Cecile," she called to the nearest servant, "please call Fitzwilliam down from the school room to join us for the remainder of the afternoon. Mr Astley may continue Young George's lesson until he is called to dine. Ask the kitchen to bring tea and the children's biscuits. Mary-Jane, please find the floor coverings we purchased in London for the girls. My maid will know which trunk." Facing her husband, Anne looked worried. "I do not want them to catch cold on this floor. They may stay below stairs for half an hour. Then it will be time for a nap."
"Anne," Mr Darcy warned, his gaze laced with unease, "you are treating these girls as your own. What if this silly Bennet man comes for them? How can we trust that he'll not change his mind?"
"I feel all will be right," Lady Anne Darcy smiled joyfully, not telling her husband of her long term goals. Indeed, he didn't need to know his mother agreed with both her assessment of the situation and plans. He would learn that soon enough. "Besides, both Mrs Harriet Williams and Mrs Sophia Bennet are to continue to write to me and pass along any information on that subject. They brought the girls situation to my attention only days after their birth, and have wished to have them well settled for some time. I had hoped the ladies could visit later in the summer."
"So long as I am not subjected to the New Mrs Bennet, and our children, new and old, are not disturbed," George looked thunderous, "I do not care who you invite to stay, My Love."
And so the Something New arrived at Pemberley Estate in Derbyshire. Both Jane and Elizabeth Bennet settled into their nursery and life at Pemberley as if born to it, although not without an issue or two. It was soon proved that Mary-Jane and Sara needed another nursemaid to help with the rambunctious, dark haired toddler. Mr Darcy approved the expense immediately. When Jane began to walk a fortnight later, she learnt to follow her more tenacious younger sibling, albeit more slowly, and with a poise and grace she would become celebrated for.
Even at fifteen months of age, Elizabeth had a need to follow her "Its" everywhere and it seemed Fitzwilliam didn't mind in the slightest. The girls felt but little for the change of circumstance and missed Longbourn even less. However, they became somewhat upset if removed from the presence of Mary-Jane, being at that age when separation from the one constant in their lives caused anxiety. It took time for the pair to completely shift their affections to Mr Darcy and Lady Anne. The reward was well and truly worth the wait.
George Wickham felt very differently about the twins, and more particularly Elizabeth, for it ushered in a new era at Pemberley. The new addition meant he fell further from grace and two steps down the pecking order. Mr Darcy no longer had time to devote to his godson, preferring the company of Elizabeth, usually with a doting Fitzwilliam in tow. These girls came with sizable fortunes and connections he could only ever hope for. Worst of all, his companion no longer took his part in any of his pranks, nor would he be the victim of them. Master Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to Pemberley, protected young Elizabeth Bennet as though she was his full blooded sister instead of second cousin. He'd never admit it, but George Wickham felt the green eyed monster to be bested by a mere babe. Not once did he consider how this demonstrated his character in a very poor light.