Chapter 11

When Richard was visiting his cousin on the evening of the ladies' visit Darcy asked him when he would be seeing Elizabeth Bennet again. Darcy knew that the colonel abruptly canceled a visit to Longbourn the previous weekend and assured him that both he and Catherine were well enough for him to leave for a few days. Richard demurred, Darcy insisted, and it was finally resolved that the colonel would depart for Meryton the following morning and return the same evening. Just after daybreak the next day Richard departed and he was determined to not mention the events of the past week to the Bennets. He was quite sure that Catherine would not want them informed of it and he had no intention of telling them something that would only give them pain. He was confident that he could successfully evade the mention of it but he had not factored in the acumen of Miss Elizabeth. When he arrived the entire family greeted him in the drawing room and were eager for news of their sister and daughter. They had not heard from Kitty that week, which was unusual, but they knew from her previous letters how busy the Darcys were with their many friends and activities in London. Richard agreed that they were very much in demand in London society and the family seemed willing to accept this explanation as the reason there was no letter from her that week. But Elizabeth did not; she had been watching him carefully as he spoke and she knew that he was being evasive. He was hiding something, and she would not rest until she found out what it was. The conversation in the drawing room turned to other subjects and Elizabeth waiting impatiently until it would not be awkward to suggest a walk in the garden. When she did Richard accepted immediately; he had become fond of all the Bennets and enjoyed spending time with them but being alone with Elizabeth was what he looked forward to each time he visited Longbourn. He knew he was in love with her, had known since almost the moment he met her, and he was anxious to ascertain her feelings for him. He believed she returned his affections but perhaps not to the degree he felt for her. With these thoughts in mind her led her to a quiet corner of the garden and sat close beside her on a bench. He was just about to begin speaking when she confronted him.

"What has happened to the Darcys?"

" What? Why do you think something has happened?"

"For a spy you are a terrible liar. Tell me what has occurred."

"I am not a spy!"

"You most assuredly are but we can discuss that later. Is it my sister? Is she unwell? You must tell me what has happened."

"I cannot. I will not. You must be content with knowing that the situation has improved and all will be well soon."

Elizabeth abruptly rose from the bench and turned her steps in the direction of the house.

"Fine. Don't tell me. You must excuse me; I need to speak to my father and request the carriage. I am going to London to see for myself what you are so determined to keep from me."

Richard's long strides quickly reached her and he led her back to the bench where they had been sitting.

"I will tell you, but it must go no further, certainly not to the rest of your family. Well, Jane can be told I guess; I imagine you will need to tell her. Catherine has been quite unwell and a physician has been attending her every day. You mustn't worry; she seems much better and every day her health improves a bit more." Richard paused to take her hand in his; she was already crying and he knew that what he had to tell her next would upset her even more. "She lost a baby a week ago and she and Darcy have been quite low since that happened. That is the reason I was unable to visit you last weekend; the morning I was to depart I stopped by Darcy House and he told me of it. I haven't been able to see your sister; she isn't well enough yet to leave her bed, but Darcy assures me that every day she is improving and that the doctor shares this opinion."

Elizabeth began crying the minute she heard that Kitty was ill and when she heard the reason for it she could not contain her grief. Propriety be damned was Richard's immediate thought as he drew her into his arms and held her close to his chest as she cried. His feelings when he had seen how this event had hurt his cousin were nothing compared to what he felt now at seeing Elizabeth's tears. For the first time he truly understood why his father became quite undone when his mother cried and he found himself murmuring softly to her anything he could think of to comfort her. Richard, for all his bluntness and gruff ways, was a hopeless romantic at heart although he would have called any man out who accused him of being so. One of the things that he whispered to Elizabeth as he held her was that he loved her, and as she finally calmed she drew back from his arms in order to see his face.

"You love me?"

"Of course I love you. What do you think I have been about these past several months? I assure you I have not been in the habit of traveling over twenty miles at least once every fortnight to see a lady I consider a friend. I have loved you ever since you scowled at me during the Darcy's engagement dinner when I made such a complete ass of myself. I can't believe that you were unaware of this! My entire family surmised it long ago and I have since been the object of relentless teasing from all of them. Darcy, in particular, has taken great delight in taunting me."

There was silence as she continued watching him. He slowly drew closer to her, and seeing no objection,

he kissed her. He began gently but when she shyly responded he pulled her tightly into his embrace and kissed her with all the ardor he had felt for so many months. She gradually pulled away from him; his kisses had been a pleasant diversion from her concern for her sister but she felt she must return to that subject.

"Richard, what can I do to help them? As things are now I can't even acknowledge that I know of their sorrow. Perhaps I could propose a visit to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner? Then, as a matter of course, I could go to Darcy House to visit them."

The colonel had a hard time attending to her words because it was the first time she had ever addressed him by his name rather than his title. It took him a minute to recall that she had asked him a question and was patiently awaiting a response from him.

"It seems to me that the best thing you can give them now is your silence. Perhaps you could send her a long newsy letter; I have seen how much letters from home cheer her. I know that they are intending to leave for Pemberley as soon as the doctor considers her strong enough to travel. They will most likely visit Longbourn on their way north and you will see her then. She would be unhappy if she knew that I have told you of this and I'm sure the last thing you want to do now is to cause her any more pain than she has already suffered."

Elizabeth nodded her acceptance of this advice and because her head rested on his shoulder he was aware of it. As much as he felt compassion for her sorrow he experienced only a twinge of guilt when his thoughts returned to the other subject that had been discussed between them. She now knew of his love for her but she had given no indication of what she felt for him. Granted, his arm was around her shoulders and she seemed quite comfortable nestled so close beside him. But still he hesitated; with Elizabeth so worried about her sister it seemed selfish to attempt to direct her thoughts to his own concerns.

Mary called to them both then to advise them that the luncheon was ready and they reluctantly entered the house. Richard made every attempt to be an attentive dining companion but he was finding it difficult to do so. He would be leaving shortly after the meal to return to London before darkness set in because he had promised Darcy that he would see him that evening. When the meal concluded Mr. Bennet requested his presence in the library. He was not prepared for the angry confrontation that commenced the moment the door was closed behind them.

"What is wrong with my daughter?"

Richard's first thought was that Mr. Bennet was speaking of Catherine and that he had surmised, as Elizabeth had, that he was being evasive when the family had questioned him about the Darcys. "Your daughter? What is it that you suspect, sir?"

At this reply Mr. Bennet exploded in rage. "Do you think I am blind? Do you think you can take liberties with my daughter and not be held accountable for them? If I hadn't immediately noticed when she entered the room that she had been crying I would have had ample evidence of it from the stains on the front of your uniform. How dare you! If you even attempt to deny your ungentlemanly conduct I will throw you out of this house even sooner than I had planned to."

Richard then knew that there was nothing else he could do but make a full confession of what had caused Elizabeth's tears. When he finished the explanation Mr. Bennet rose from his chair and went to gaze out of a window in his library. He was obviously struggling to compose himself and Richard turned away to allow him some privacy. When he was finally able to speak his voice was low and tremulous.

"And is she being properly cared for? You say that her health is improving; is everything possible being done for her? I don't give a damn that she didn't want us to know of this; I will be leaving for London in the next hour if you tell me that she needs more care than she is receiving."

"On that score you need have no concerns, sir. Darcy has not left her side for more than an hour since this happened and a doctor is attending her every day."

Mr. Bennet seemed relieved by this information and the men were silent for quite some time. There were other concerns that Elizabeth's father had voiced earlier and Richard knew that he would be required to make an accounting of his behavior. He decided to approach the subject himself to avoid more accusations and another angry outburst.

"I love your daughter Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet, and had hoped to request her hand in marriage today, or at least the right to court her. But, as you now know, we ended up discussing another matter altogether and I had no opportunity to propose to her. And these stains on the front of my uniform are indeed what you suspect they are; I did hold her while she cried. And if that makes me less than a gentleman then so be it. I couldn't see her tears and not act as I did. I apologize to you for it, but I must tell you that I can't really regret it."

"Hmmph. And has Elizabeth given you any indication of her feelings for you?"

"No, she hasn't, and I must confess that I find it very difficult to understand your daughter sometimes."

At this Mr. Bennet chuckled. "I can well believe it. She will lead you a merry chase if you do marry but I imagine you know that by now. But how can you support her? As a mere soldier I can't see how you could even contemplate marriage at this point."

Richard was incensed. "I am hardly a mere soldier, sir!" He then became aware of the twinkle in Mr. Bennet's eyes and knew that he had purposely been baited and so he calmed down. "I have been considering for the past few months resigning my commission if Miss Elizabeth would accept me. Part of the Matlock holdings includes a small estate in northern Derbyshire that has been set aside for me. I also have been able to save a modest amount during my ten years in service. Have no fear; as Mrs. Fitzwilliam your daughter would be well provided for."

"And what of your parents? An Earl and his Countess could hardly consider the dowerless daughter of a country gentleman qualified to enter their family."

"Are you forgetting that both my parents met her at the dinner party given for the Darcys? You know your daughter; can you have any doubt that she charmed them both?"

"I must tell you, young man, that when we entered this room I had every intention of throttling you and forbidding you to ever see my daughter again. But now, well now, I am of the opinion that if you do succeed in winning her hand I would have no qualms in giving you my blessing. If you remain here I will return with Elizabeth and perhaps you could use this opportunity to tell her some of the things that you have just related to me."

When Mr. Bennet returned with his daughter he informed them that he would be taking a short walk in Longbourn's gardens and would return in ten minutes. Richard wasted no time and before Elizabeth had even comfortably settled in a chair he was on his knees before her and asking for her hand. She was able to assure him that it was her fondest wish to be his wife and that the affection he felt for her was returned with equal fervor. He then told her that he would resign his commission in the next week and of the estate that he was entitled to as a second son. They were both incredibly happy and Richard could not be content until he lifted her out of the chair and began kissing her. They were both so agreeably engaged in this activity that it took a disapproving cough from Mr. Bennet for them to realize that they were no longer alone. When they entered the sitting room and informed the rest of the family that they were engaged Richard could have no doubt that all the Bennets were delighted with the news. He wanted to stay longer to bask in Elizabeth's happy smiles and the obvious approval of her family but he knew Darcy would be uneasy if he did not keep his promise to visit him that evening. So he gave his reluctant farewells and travelled back to London contemplating not only his own happiness but what joy this news would give both his own family and the Darcy family.

When Darcy left Kitty's side to join his cousin in the sitting room he was greeted with a wide smile that Richard could not suppress.

"Well, I can see that you have had an enjoyable trip to Meryton. Might I hazard a guess as to why you are grinning like a besotted fool?"

"You may guess all you like cousin but I insist on seeing Catherine and sharing this news with both of you at the same time."

"I will not permit it. Absolutely not. She is still not well enough to leave her bedchamber."

"Oh for God's sake, Darcy, you are such a hopeless prig sometimes! Do you think the mere sight of your wife in her nightclothes will cause me to be overcome with lust and throw myself on her?"

"Richard!"

"Oh calm down, Darcy, calm down. I apologize if I have offended your delicate sensibilities. But I must insist on seeing her; I want to see her face when I tell her my news. Everyone in my family has been able to do something for her this past week…flowers, notes, visits from the ladies, and even my stodgy old father with his carriage-bed invention. But I haven't been able to do anything for her, and you must know how happy this will make her."

Darcy reluctantly agreed and went up to his wife's room to prepare her for a visit from his cousin. Richard almost laughed aloud when he entered the room; the drapes were pulled shut so that the room was in semi-darkness and Catherine was carefully wrapped in blankets that covered her all the way to her chin. She was sitting propped up on pillows against the headboard of her bed and her eyes were wide with curiosity. When he told her that her sister Elizabeth had accepted his hand in marriage she was absolutely delighted. But it was when he told her that he would be resigning his commission and that they would be residing on an estate less than half a day's carriage ride from Pemberley she could find no words to adequately express her joy. Darcy had not known that his cousin was considering forsaking his army career and he immediately realized how important it would be for Kitty to be living so near one of her sisters. He had known that Richard was to some day inherit Rose Manor, had known that Richard had been pursuing Elizabeth for some months, but couldn't envision how Richard could even consider marriage and continue being a colonel in the army. For himself, he rejoiced in the fact that the man who had been like a brother to him all his life would now in fact truly be his brother.

Richard stayed with them but a short time because he knew there were others who would be equally excited to hear what he had to say. The reaction from his parents was even more enthusiastic than he had hoped it would be and Georgiana could not contain her delight. Anne had never met Elizabeth but she had had an opportunity to visit with Catherine several times during the past week and could only believe that any sister of hers would undoubtedly be charming. The Earl proposed a toast to celebrate such a momentous event and as Richard looked around and saw the smiles on the faces of those he held most dear he could not help but contrast this evening with the one when his brother Edmund had announced his engagement. There could not have been a more marked difference between the two events and the knowledge of it made his present happiness even sweeter. When the family decided to retire for the night he was surprised when his father requested that he remain behind for a few minutes but even more surprised when he heard what it was his father wanted to tell him. It had been no secret in the Matlock family that Lady Matlock's dowry, twenty five thousand pounds at the time of their wedding, had never been touched because the Matlock estate and investments were sufficient for all their needs. Richard was astonished when his father told him that the dowry, which had accumulated interest since before he was born, was now over forty thousand pounds and his parents had altered the ownership of it from their names to his at the time of his brother Edmund's marriage. Richard's first thought was of Elizabeth; every man likes to feel that the home he is providing for his bride is more comfortable than the childhood one he would take her from, and he now had no doubt that this would be so. He thanked his father profusely and when he retired for the night no man could have been happier.

At Darcy House Richard's news had brought colour to Kitty's face and the smiles that Darcy had been sorely missing. She slept through the night for the first time in a fortnight and in the morning insisted that she be permitted to leave her bed and sit in an armchair by the window in her room and look out over the garden. It was spring and early days yet for the profusion of flowers that would soon fill it but the bright sun and budding leaves on the trees were sufficient to please her. Up until the time of Richard's visit she had not much cared how soon she would recover but now it was of utmost importance to her. She knew that with her recovery they could begin their journey to Pemberley and the journey would include a visit to Longbourn. She had written a quick note to her sister that morning expressing her joy but she needed to see Elizabeth and offer her congratulations in person. Beginning that day she ate her meals with a new enthusiasm and left her bed as often as she was able to walk about her bedroom and the adjacent sitting room. When she first began to do this Darcy was right at her side ready to support her if she faltered but after a few days as her strength returned he saw it was unnecessary. By the end of the week she was finally able to be dressed in a morning gown and descend the stairs to the sitting room on the second floor. Dr. Rushton was encouraged by her steady progress and plans were made to leave for Pemberley in two day's time.

The morning before their departure Lady Matlock was finally able to persuade Darcy to permit the entire family to visit Catherine for a short time. He agreed that they could all come to tea but if he saw that his wife was tiring he would insist that they leave immediately. Kitty was stronger, there was no doubt of that, but not completely recovered and he would not allow anything to endanger their departure on the following morning. He knew he had made the right decision to permit the visit when he saw how happy it made his wife to see the family that had so readily adopted her as one of their own. One of the things that she was eager to do was to thank the Earl for his design for their carriage. She knew that it was the major factor that convinced Dr. Rushton to permit them to depart for Pemberley earlier than he would otherwise have allowed and she was deeply grateful for his kindness. The talk then turned to Richard's upcoming wedding and they learned that early August had been decided upon for the nuptials to take place. This was wonderful news for Kitty; surely she would be completely recovered by then and she and Darcy could attend the wedding. Georgiana spoke to her of her anticipation of having not just one but two Bennet sisters in the family and how much she looked forward to having them both for sisters. Anne said very little, but enough to assure Catherine that she hoped in the future that they could continue the friendship they had begun in the past few weeks. True to her word, Lady Matlock rose to depart shortly after they had finished their tea and the Matlock family bade them an affectionate farewell with promises to see them in August when they were all together again for Richard's wedding.

Early the next morning found the Darcys in their carriage and departing London at daybreak. Catherine's face was bright with happiness at the anticipation of seeing her family again for the first time in almost six months and Darcy was anxious to leave the city behind and acquaint his wife with Pemberley. The coachman had been given explicit instructions to drive slowly to avoid jostling the coach and consequently the trip, which would have been of only two hours duration under normal circumstances, took almost the entire morning. After an hour of traveling Darcy became aware that Kitty was tiring; removing her bonnet, cape and shoes, he carefully helped her to lie down and covered her with a quilt. Within minutes she was curled up on her side and sleeping peacefully on the bed that the Earl had designed. The carriage came to a halt about a mile from Meryton and Sarah, who had been traveling with Darcy's valet and their luggage in a second coach, helped put Kitty to rights and fashioned her hair once again into a neat chignon. She looked rested, there was colour in her cheeks, and both she and Darcy were confident that no one in her family would think there was anything amiss. They were greeted with great enthusiasm by the entire family, as well as Bingley, and spent the time before the luncheon hearing local news and also being apprised of one thing that gave them particular pleasure. Bingley had requested, and been granted, Jane's hand in marriage and she and Elizabeth were now planning a double wedding. The luncheon was equally pleasant and Mr. Bennet was relieved to see how well his daughter looked. When they returned to the drawing room Darcy could easily perceive that his wife, although happy and animated by the conversations around her, was becoming fatigued. Soon they were on their way north again and for the three days that the journey took Kitty frequently made use of the Earl's carriage bed. On the evening of their third day of travel they finally passed through the gates of Pemberley. Catherine had been so excited by the prospect of seeing her future home that, despite all Darcy's urgings, she had been unable to rest and by the time the carriage drew up to the entrance portico Darcy could see that she was at the point of collapse. The four front steps of Pemberley were lined with servants eager to be introduced to their new mistress but they quickly saw that the introductions would have to wait until another day. The instant Catherine exited the carriage Darcy lifted her in his arms and carried her through the house and up the stairs to the mistress's chambers. Sarah followed closely behind and within a short time Catherine was in bed and sound asleep. Many of the members of Darcy's staff had been in contact with the London staff and knew of the events of the past month and how very ill their mistress had been. Darcy returned downstairs after he saw that Kitty was comfortable and was able to assure Mrs. Reynolds that his wife was well but very fatigued from the journey and that she should relate this to the rest of the staff if they were concerned.

The next day Kitty was closeted with Mrs. Reynolds and carefully learning all she could about the workings of the vast estate and what was expected of her as its mistress. Darcy was pleased to see it and was quite busy himself with the never-ending pile of paperwork that he faced as well as accompanying his steward on horseback to several areas of his estate that required his particular attention. He made a point of always being home to take lunch with Catherine and insisted that she retire to her room to rest a bit before tea time. She inevitably protested that she was not in the least fatigued, and just as inevitably, was fast asleep within minutes after he escorted her to her room. She grew stronger every day though, and the naps which were originally of two or even three hours duration comprised less and less time as the days passed. After several weeks Darcy finally agreed that she and Mrs. Reynolds could begin visiting the cottages on the estate. There were seventeen in all and Catherine knew that these visits would be much more important than the ones she had made at Longbourn. She knew that despite her youth the Pemberley tenants would undoubtedly have anxiety about meeting the woman who could have such a profound effect on their futures and that of their families. The visits went well, very well, and by the time Catherine had been introduced to each of the inhabitants of the cottages the general consensus was that she was young, much younger than any of them had expected, but that she seemed to be kind and genuinely concerned about their welfare. Mr. Darcy was revered by all of them; he was, perhaps, a bit stern and distant, but he consistently dealt fairly with them and settled their disputes in a judicious manner. They only dealt with his steward, however, and would never even have considered approaching him directly with their concerns. His pretty young wife seemed to be much more approachable though, and everyone Catherine met felt that Mr. Darcy had made a wise decision in his choice of a wife.

As they had in London, the Darcys attended the local Anglican Church each Sunday. The church was in Lambton, five miles from Pemberley, and from their carriage window Kitty could see three or four families from the estate walking along the road to also attend the service. She looked across the carriage at her husband as a plan formed in her mind. She decided that her best chance of having him agree to it would be to follow her mother's pre-wedding advice and wait for a time when he would be particularly vulnerable to anything she requested of him. That very evening, just as they were falling asleep, she made her request. Darcy moaned loudly and replied in exaggerated petulance.

"Your mother's advice again, eh? Am I to live the rest of my life expecting tender words from you at such a time and instead being badgered to do your bidding?"

Kitty just giggled and he could feel her head nod as it rested on his chest.

"Once again your mother is correct with her blasted advice. I'll speak to the carpenters tomorrow."

True to his word, the next morning Darcy went to the woodworking shop on his estate and greatly surprised his carpenters by giving them precise instructions concerning a project that he wanted them to undertake. Pemberley had a number of large farm carts that were used during the harvest. Darcy requested that they construct removable benches to fit along them lengthwise and to inform the employees of the estate that they would be available every Sunday to transport to Lambton anyone who wished to attend the church service. The carpenters would know better than he how many people would wish to do this and they were to outfit as many carts as necessary. When Darcy returned to the house and informed Kitty of what he had done he was amply rewarded with an embrace and many kisses. However, she confessed that she had been thinking about it and she had thought of one more little something, just a very little something, that this plan required to be absolutely perfect. She and Darcy always seemed to return from the service hungry and the cook knew this and had a plentiful brunch ready for them. Perhaps the tenants would be equally hungry? There was a large covered area just off the servant's dining hall where the harvest celebration was held each year. Wouldn't it be nice if the carts pulled up to this area each Sunday when the employees returned and hot tea and rolls and biscuits were waiting for them? Not anything elaborate, just a small indication from their master that he had heeded the advice he heard each Sunday during the service to love one's brother. Darcy smiled wryly at his wife; she was still holding him closely in her arms, and as she knew only too well, it would be impossible for him to deny her anything when she smiled so sweetly at him. Kitty decided to personally explain to the cook what had been decided in the hopes that she would not mind the extra work that would be involved for her and her kitchen staff. What Kitty did not know yet was that the cook had several relatives who resided in the estate cottages and she was delighted to be of assistance to her mistress in this matter. So happy was she to comply with it that the original menu was soon expanded to include scones and clotted cream, seed cake, and fresh fruit when it was available. And so a tradition began at Pemberley that those who desired to attend the Sunday services in Lambton would be transported there and back and after the service anyone who wished to could have tea and refreshments at the great house. At Catherine's insistence, after she and Darcy finished their meal in the dining room they went out to greet the tenants. He was initially reluctant to do this but with his wife by his side he could easily see how much it meant to them that their master and mistress would take the time to converse with them.