It has been so long since my last update, that upon a suggestion from E.B. isme (thanks), I'm inserting a little summary:
Anne de Bourgh has been urged into marriage by Lady Catherine who, according to Darcy, does not want to have the younger Georgiana married before her daughter. Darcy opposed the marriage because Lady Catherine did not tell Anne's future husband that Anne was unable to bear children. To Elizabeth's dismay, Darcy exchanged his grudging consent for the marriage for Lady Catherine's respect for the Bennets. In the last chapter, Darcy and Georgiana departed for London to attend Anne's wedding, but weather and business kept them away for three months. During their absense Caroline Bingley, now Mrs. Haverill, visits Elizabeth at Pemberley and the two women come to a civil, if not friendly, truce. Darcy returns in April to find that his son has grown quite a bit. Georgiana is not with him; she's scheduled to arrive the next day with Kitty who has been staying with Jane. The last chapter ended with Darcy telling Elizabeth that he had a present for her.
Darcy led Elizabeth from the manor and into the gardens. Elizabeth considered what her gift may be that Darcy kept it outside. He led her down several paths that she had not explored since she had arrived as mistress of Pemberley several years before. Though she held her skirts as high as proper manners would allow, they were heavy with mud by the time that she and Darcy emerged from the trees through a clump of bushes.
Elizabeth gasped at the sight before her. A creamy arbor arched over her, new vines beginning to climb over it. It opened upon a small clearing in the shade. She glimpsed a bench beneath the drooping curtains of a willow. Suspended from another large tree was a swing that swayed gently in the soft wind. Flowers sprouted from the edges of a clearing and just beyond their beds, a creek twisted past, adding its delightful burbling to the aura of the clearing.
She turned to Darcy, unable to disguise the smile that she wore so largely upon her face. "I've never seen this place before."
"I had the gardeners arrange it for you," Darcy murmured as he led her through the arbor. "My mother always had a special place in the gardens to which she would take me when I was a child. I thought you might enjoy such a place. This part of the garden belongs only to you, and you may do with it as you like; I shall have no say unless you request an opinion of mine."
Elizabeth inhaled the fresh, damp scent of the clearing. It was now in her sole possession; such a thought stirred her excitement. She let her skirts fall as she slowly explored the flowers and the trees. She gently moved aside the branches of the tree to examine the bench. It was of a deeply colored wood and carved in an elaborate floral pattern. Its arms arched in graceful curves before they met with the legs of the seat.
At last she returned to Darcy. He had stood by the arbor throughout her entire exploration, not uttering a single word. She found her own joy reflected in his eyes. He placed a hand upon her cheek.
"Do you like it?" he breathed.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms about him. "Fitzwilliam, I have no words to offer you."
"Just you is enough," he murmured, fingering one of her loose curls. "Everything you have given me can hardly compare to this." She felt the tremor of his chuckle. His fingers gently brushed her cheek as he untied the ribbons of her bonnet. Slowly he pushed it from her head. She closed her eyes as he tugged at pieces of her hair until it fell about her shoulders. "There, you appear just as you did that first day at Netherfield."
Elizabeth smiled wryly. "Then I suppose I do not desire to open my eyes."
"You may in a moment."
She could not contain her curiosity. Her eyes opened to see Darcy's gloved hand reach into his coat. From it he withdrew a small box no wider than two of her fingers pressed together. His eyes never left her face as he opened it. Elizabeth looked down and grasped his arm, yet no words came to her lips.
"I came across it in my townhouse, among some of my father's things," he explained softly as Elizabeth stared at the silver ring. Its twining pattern was so thin as to appear to be lace, and Elizabeth feared that her touch would destroy it. Cradled in the twisting silver was a small, deep blue sapphire. She recognized the ring, though she had never before seen it in actuality. The very same ring adorned Lady Anne Darcy's finger in one of her portraits that hung in the gallery. During her engagement to Darcy, he had shown her the painting, and she had complimented the ring. Darcy had explained that it had belonged to his grandmother who had received it from her husband. She had intended it for her daughter, but her only daughter had died at five years of age. Taken with the handsome young Lady Anne Darcy, she had given it to her oldest son's wife.
Darcy seemed to have sensed Elizabeth's recognition. "It ought to be Georgiana's," she murmured, glancing up at him.
He shook his head. "My mother would have wanted you to have it," he objected. "And if my father were alive, he too would want you to have it. I am certain they would have been exceedingly charmed by you, my mother especially. She always admired women with spirit." He lifted her hand from his arm and slid the ring upon the third finger of her right hand. He lifted her hand to the light. A delighted smile overtook his lips, and his eyes lit with pride. "It appears to be made for you."
Elizabeth too regarded the ring, admiring its exquisite appearance. Her dark eyes finally drifted back to Darcy. "I am honored, Fitzwilliam."
He folded her in his embrace. "I thought of you every day I was gone," he murmured. "It is odd how easily I have given up my independence for you."
Elizabeth reached up and placed her hand behind his head, drawing him closer. "I do not mind holding on to it so long as you hold on to mine." She braced herself against him with her other hand and rose onto the tips of her toes.
Darcy chuckled. "That appears to be quite a favorable arrangement, Elizabeth."
"Very good then," she murmured against his lips before she kissed him.
Darcy and Elizabeth enjoyed the solitude of Pemberley, before the return of each of their sisters the following day. She deliberately avoided discussing Anne de Bourgh's wedding, and Darcy did not draw the subject into their conversations. Instead he described his business excursions for her. In turn Elizabeth described her encounter with Mr. Wendell and his sister and Mrs. Caroline Haverill.
"Caroline came to see me in London. Your aunt and uncle were kind enough to allow us to meet at their home so as not to arouse gossip. We parted cordially."
"You saw my aunt and uncle recently? Is everyone well?"
"They and the children send their regards. Mary had returned to Longbourn shortly before I arrived, but your aunt tells me that she enjoyed her stay in town."
"I thought she would take pleasure in some time away from Longbourn," acknowledged Elizabeth with satisfaction.
"I had business in the country near Longbourn. I paused to see your parents, and I believe that your father is expecting a visit from his beloved daughter. Your mother is anxious that Edward shall grow older without knowing his grandparents."
"Perhaps we should visit your aunt and continue on to Longbourn, then. We can arrange for Kitty to stay with Charlotte when Maria Lucas visits her sister. You may return to Rosings while I remain at Longbourn."
"I shall write Major-general Fitzwilliam; he will want to be at Rosings while we are."
"Then the trip is settled?"
He smiled at her. "Of course. Though I had anticipated bringing you to Scarborough. I suppose we shall go at another time."
"I regret changing your plans," Elizabeth apologized.
"It is nothing. Do not concern yourself."
They retired to their bedchamber after dinner and a short amble along one of the garden paths. Much later, Elizabeth was awakened by the absence of Darcy's warmth. For a moment her eyes searched the darkness for his form, but the room was empty.
She found him in Edward's nursery, leaning over the infant's bed. Elizabeth was unsure of his awareness of her presence as she approached him. But before she announced herself, he spoke. "He appears so peaceful in his sleep: as if the world extended no farther than his bed."
Elizabeth smiled in the darkness as she placed a hand upon his arm. The moonlight cast a soft glow over their sleeping son's form. Edward's small, round middle rose and fell in even swells beneath his blanket. His plump arms rested at his sides and occasionally his tiny fingers twitched.
Darcy reached out and lightly brushed his hand over the infant's hair. "He is ours." Only because Elizabeth was so attuned to the sound of her beloved's voice was it that she caught the tremor of awe.
"Ours," agreed Elizabeth, her cheeks aching with the width of her smile.
Darcy suddenly straightened and pulled Elizabeth into a strong embrace. His cheek slid over her hair until it came to rest on her temple. "I am so altered now," he murmured in her ear. The warmth of his breath brushed her ear. "You changed me irrevocably with your liveliness, your honesty, your forgiveness, your love. I can hardly recall myself prior to finding myself ensnared by you. And now we have Edward, and I feel myself changing once more. He is one among only three people for whom I would do anything."
"I understand," she whispered. "My life before him was never so focused as it is now."
"You both lie at the center of my life," he breathed. His lips pressed gently to her temple and brushed over her cheek. She closed her eyes as his lips met hers briefly before his kisses reached the curve of her chin. His hand slid up her back, and his fingers entangled themselves in her hair as he drew her closer. His other hand gently tilted her head back as his lips made a slow descent down her neck.
Elizabeth's neck was encircled by cold when he drew away suddenly. "I do not believe this the appropriate place to continue," he exhaled.
Her eyes were still closed when she shook her head. "Certainly not. Not with Edward as witness."
Despite this agreement, neither indicated the intention of departing nor did they alter their position. The darkness held them in a vast moment, threading the breathing of their child, the scent of one another, the coolness of the air against their warmed bodies, and the taste of the other that lingered on each of their lips, about them.
Darcy lifted her into his arms, and they gazed at their Edward. Elizabeth marveled at how such a tiny being could consume and hold so much of her. The moonlight illuminated Darcy's visage, revealing an expression of reverence as his eyes beheld his son. But Elizabeth's gaze was drawn from the infant when Darcy lightly pressed his lips just behind her ear and carried her away to complete the night they had, to all appearances, left incomplete.
On a rare occasion in their marriage, Darcy was still abed when Elizabeth awoke to the filtered light of the sun, but he did not gaze at her as he usually did on such occurrences. For a pause, she was bemused by such an observation, but something soft squirmed between them, and her eyes fell to see that Edward lay between them.
He gurgled at her and waved his arm. She smiled when she saw that one of Darcy's fingers was clutched in Edward's fist.
"You are happy this morning," she murmured at him. She buried her face in the soft folds of the infant's neck.
"You are distracting him."
Her eyebrow arched in question.
"He shall hardly smile at me when his mother is demanding so much of his attention."
Elizabeth chuckled. "My apologies for my intrusion."
Darcy's eyebrows turned downward in faint annoyance, drawing more laughter from Elizabeth. "Dearest, he shall hardly smile at such an expression! Your frowns are quite formidable."
Never had she witnessed Darcy so animated as that morning as he attempted to draw a smile from his son! Her aunt had once supposed her the cure for his want of liveliness, but she saw now that it was Edward who withdrew such vivacity from him.
At last the infant granted his father's desire, and Darcy permitted himself to ready for the day.
The day was unusually warm, and Darcy instructed that all the windows in the music parlor be opened. As the sun cast longer shadows across the polished floor, Elizabeth played for Darcy. She was frequently unable to prevent herself from glancing down at the ring he had given her the day prior. He watched her with all the intensity he had when she had first played for him at Rosings, though it seemed as if his mind wandered over distant paths.
"What has occupied your mind so?" she inquired as her fingers moved over the keys. She would never be as deft as Georgiana, but she had improved greatly.
He did not reply, and she politely did not pry further. She surmised that he was not troubled in any way, and since this was the case, she allowed him his privacy. Elizabeth put more effort into her playing so that she would not jar him from his thoughts with an error.
"Elizabeth."
She glanced up, alerted by the wariness and restraint in his voice. "Yes?" She was perplexed when his countenance flushed with discomfiture.
"I was thinking about Edward."
Elizabeth was aware he intended to say more, and thus she simply waited as she played.
"Not simply Edward. I wondered—do you desire more children?"
She did not reply immediately. She was well aware that this was not a question many husbands inquired of their wives. Unbidden, a memory of a man who had once accused Darcy allowing Elizabeth to be too forward with him came to her. She had never seen Darcy's temper flare so greatly. Certainly Darcy maintained expectations of her, but she was always his equal. Georgiana had at first been appalled by the liberties Elizabeth took with Darcy, but Darcy had never discouraged Elizabeth.
She drew her mind back to his question. She wondered at his motivation for the inquiry. She certainly would not object to more children; Edward had ameliorated many of her doubts. Was Darcy afraid of the risk that more children presented to her? Or was he unsure that she wanted others beyond Edward?
"Perhaps it is too late for such a question," she said lightly, though her own cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"Elizabeth." Darcy drew closer and leaned toward her until there was but a forearm's length between them. "Do not feel that for my sake you must produce more children."
"You feel no more reservations?" she murmured. Her fingers slowed, and the notes drew farther apart.
He reached out and stroked her cheek gently. "You are strong, but still it is your life at risk. I will contentedly follow your desire. Edward is more than enough."
Elizabeth smiled up at him. "Yes, he is enough. But I would not mind others. You do recall that we have a name that seeks an owner."
"Two," he reminded her.
Elizabeth frowned, her fingers nearly halting completely. "We have not agreed upon one of them."
Darcy's dark eyes were anxious as he examined her expression for her sincerity. "You truly wish to bear more children?"
"Upon one condition." His intensity subsided slightly as he saw her lips tug in amusement.
"Yes?"
"You must promise not to be so difficult. You mustn't worry about me."
"That is two conditions," he replied, his face softening. "I will do my best to hold to the first one, but the second I cannot agree to: I would be deceiving myself and you."
"Then you must not allow your concern to so darkly affect your humour," Elizabeth amended.
"Then I accept your conditions."
Elizabeth permitted her fingers to fall motionless as Darcy kissed her.
A knock drew them apart. It was with great reluctance that Darcy released Elizabeth. "We were not to be disturbed," he murmured as he straightened.
"Perhaps it is important," said she, altering her position to gain a better view of the doorway.
"Enter," Darcy instructed.
The opened door revealed Kitty and Georgiana. An apology flowed from Georgiana for the interruption, but Elizabeth rose to greet them, dismissing any regrets.
"It has been nearly three months since last I saw you," she protested. She embraced the two young women. Darcy joined her in enquiring after their journey, to which they received positive responses.
After greetings were exchanged, Kitty excused herself to her bedchamber. Elizabeth heard Mrs. Reynolds leading visitors through the foyer and insisted that Darcy welcome them.
When he had departed, Elizabeth led Georgiana to a seat and engaged her in conversation about the young woman's time in town. She listened attentively to Georgiana's account, and it was not until Georgiana fell silent that she posed the question that she keenly sought the answer to.
"Did Darcy enjoy Anne's wedding?"
Georgiana sighed. "He was polite, but aloof. He thinly concealed his disapproval."
"Your aunt must have been disappointed at his behavior."
The young woman hesitated, her eyes falling to her lap as she plucked at her gown. Her voice was uncertain when she spoke. "She was very," she paused. Elizabeth could see that she searched for the proper word. "She did not give much attention to Darcy; they hardly spoke. She was very satisfied, though." Suddenly Georgiana's hands rose to her face as her shoulders trembled delicately. Elizabeth bit her lips in chagrin; she should not have involved Georgiana.
"Oh Lizzie, I wish I had begged Henry to wait longer! Anne but pretended to be smug in her accomplishment, but she is unhappy and frightened. It is my fault. My aunt could not bear for me to be married before Anne. She has always compared me to my cousin, though I in no way seek competition with Anne. Now it is too late, and Anne is trapped."
Elizabeth embraced Georgiana, soothing her with gentle words. The young woman's tears slowed, and Elizabeth offered her a handkerchief. "Come, dear, you must not make yourself so distraught. Too many of the problems of those you love have tainted your engagement to Lord Brighton. You have received your choice in the man you shall marry, and you should feel nothing but anticipation and joy. Darcy and I shall worry about Anne for you, though I do believe Anne shall be fine."
"Thank you," murmured Georgiana.
"Already your own marriage has been delayed. Our plans must be accelerated that you may be married as soon as may be. That is, unless you desire to wait longer."
"Henry is patient; it is my own patience that is ebbing," admitted Georgiana. "Though, I do not wish to rush you."
"I believe that among you, Kitty, Darcy, and me, we shall be able to give you all you wish."
"Thank you, Lizzie."
"You are very welcome." She sat back, pulling away from her sister. She gently placed her fingers beneath the young woman's chin and held her gaze. "Please do not worry about Anne, Georgiana. Darcy and I will do what we may."
"I trust your word," agreed Georgiana.
Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you." She prodded Georgiana with more questions of her time away and dinner time soon approached, at which time they parted to ready for the meal.
Georgiana and Kitty each exclaimed over Edward when they saw him and took turns holding him as they planned for Georgiana's wedding. Elizabeth and Darcy observed for a while before they departed for a walk on the moon brightened paths of the garden, each absorbed in the presence of the other as they shared the wanderings of their thoughts with one another.
The next afternoon Darcy persuaded Elizabeth that she ought to learn the game of chess. Kitty and Georgiana had observed the game for a short while, but soon excused themselves for a walk.
Elizabeth frowned as she contemplated her turn. "I see that my vanity is far greater than I allowed to myself; your flattery so easily swayed me to join you. Perhaps we ought to invite Charles, Jane, and Evelyn to Pemberley that you may have even competition."
Darcy smiled at her. "Lizzie, I want you to learn. Once you become more proficient, I believe you will be a formidable opponent."
"Most husbands do not urge their wives to play chess," she protested.
"Many men do not recognize, or choose to ignore, the great mental capabilities of their wives."
"Does Georgiana know how to play?" Elizabeth chose to overlook his accolade, though in a moment she did regret her rudeness.
"Yes, though she detests the game."
"Perhaps I do as well."
"Elizabeth, such protests are hardly consistent with your character. The Lizzie with whom I am acquainted welcomes such mental exercises as chess."
"After over two years of marriage, it is at this moment a necessity that I learn to play?"
"Perhaps I have a wager on you," Darcy confessed. He appeared contrite.
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "You gamble?" Her countenance illustrated her disapproval.
"No, this wager is a childhood tradition between the Major-general and me and never have we bet money."
"What are the conditions of this wager?"
"Should you defeat him in a game of chess, he will do me a favor."
"What shall that favor include?"
"You are not interested in learning to play; therefore, I believe I must forfeit the wager."
"Suppose I agree to learn?" Elizabeth could not hold her curiosity at bay.
"You will be well aware of the favor when you are triumphant."
Elizabeth frowned at him, though she knew Darcy's expression indicated that he would reveal nothing more. She lamented how well he knew her disposition. "You have great confidence in my capabilities. Thus, I wish to put forward my own wager."
Darcy's brow furrowed. "I thought you disapproved of gambling."
"I shall set aside my disapproval in this instance. If I win the game against the Major-general, I earn a favor from you. If I lose, I must owe you."
"You will not disclose more than that at this moment?"
"We each must possess our secrets." Darcy put forth his hand, and Elizabeth clasped it.
There was a knock, and Rensler entered at Darcy's reply. "A Mr. Ashby desires to see you, sir."
"I do not believe I know a Mr. Ashby but send him in, please."
"Shall I excuse myself?"
"I do not believe it is business." Darcy allowed her the decision to remain, and she did not leave.
Rensler showed in a young man. His clothes appeared well made, though they were plain and not of expensive cloth. He posture was not displeasing; though he appeared humbled by his surroundings, he carried himself with quiet dignity.
"Mr. Walter Ashby," announced Rensler before he bowed and departed. The young man appeared as if he too wished he could leave the room.
Mr. Ashby cleared his throat softly. His face flushed as he stood before them. "I am so sorry to intrude; I came against my better judgment. But I encountered two young women yesterday. One possessed a beautiful white cat that suddenly leapt from the carriage as my horse passed. My horse startled it, and the cat fled. The young woman burst into tears and had the carriage halted. Though we searched and called, her cat did not reappear. Finally the young women were forced to depart, but I waited. Not half an hour after the carriage had rolled, the cat crept from the grass. I was able to get a hold of it, and I rode as hard as I could to return it to the young woman. She thanked me profusely and pressed a slip of paper into my hand. It had this address upon it. I am recently arrived to a nearby parsonage. I was unaware that the address led here. I do not wish for you to perceive my visit as an expectation for a reward. I wanted only to reply to the young woman's gesture."
The man fell silent as he glanced about the parlor in clear discomfiture. Darcy rose and went to the wall. He pulled a chord and shortly after, a servant appeared in the doorway and bowed.
"Please bring Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet here."
The servant nodded and hurried away.
"Mr. Ashby, this is my wife, Mrs. Darcy."
The young clergyman bowed politely in Elizabeth's direction. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Darcy. I offer my apologies for interrupting your afternoon."
"Please do not worry," Elizabeth said kindly. Darcy offered the young man a seat, and Mr. Ashby accepted it graciously.
"I believe that you encountered our sisters," Darcy said, as he returned to his own seat across the chessboard from Elizabeth. "Neither recounted this part of their journey to either of us, but we thank you for your assistance."
"The young woman was very distraught over the loss of her pet. She said that it was a dear gift from her sister. She also mentioned someone by the name of Kate."
Elizabeth was stirred at the young man's words; she had never recognized how much her present had meant to Kitty.
"My wife gave the cat to her," Darcy explained. "It was from a litter that one of my tenant's cats had produced. His daughter only conceded to give it up when we promised that my wife's sister would truly love it."
"The little girl must have been very compassionate," observed Mr. Ashby.
"She was truly so," agreed Elizabeth. "She wanted nothing but that the cat is loved."
Refreshment was carried in, and Mr. Ashby appeared astonished at the extent of their welcome. He had not expected people who dwelled among such wealth to treat him in such a manner, specifically when he was but a stranger clergyman.
Georgiana and Kitty entered. Elizabeth's sister gasped when she recognized the guest.
"Georgiana, Kate, I believe you are acquainted with Mr. Ashby," said Darcy.
Their guest had arisen at the entrance of the young women. He politely bowed to each of them.
"We did not receive his name at our last meeting," breathed Kitty.
"Mr. Ashby, may I present my sister, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Darcy's sister, Miss Bennet."
The young man bowed once more.
"I am sorry I gave no warning of your arrival," Kitty told him politely. "I was unsure if you would come."
"It is of no inconvenience," he replied.
"I am sorry for drawing you so far out of your way, but I wanted to thank you properly for finding Nerissa for me and for all of your help searching for her yesterday. I am so grateful to you." She held out a sealed letter. "This hardly expresses the extent of my gratitude, but I wish that you accept this."
Mr. Ashby appeared appalled and uncertain. It was clear he had expected no reward and desired no reward. He had, as he had said, only wanted to reply to Kitty's gesture. But he did not want to refuse a gift from such prestigious people. His hesitation tugged at the smile on Kitty's lips, and she too suddenly appeared unsure as her cheeks rose with color.
Darcy spoke. "Please accept this in the name off your church."
The young man nodded. "I thank you humbly for your kindness, Miss Bennet. May the lord bless you and your family for your kindness."
Mr. Ashby finished his tea as he spoke with Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty. Elizabeth found in him none of the amusing qualities that her cousin possessed as a clergyman. The young man was reserved and from all appearances, not only well read, but well versed in the subtleties of the literature. Here was not a man who read the thickest book of theology in reverence for its espousals, but one who read it in reverence for its most profound themes. Such intense activity of the mind would suggest a man who considered himself in the most serious terms, but Mr. Ashby was not without humour.
It did not escape Elizabeth's careful eye that Kitty was hardly of her usual garrulous nature. She listened carefully to the few but eloquent words of Mr. Ashby. When he insisted that he must depart, she appeared reluctant that he must go. When she politely asked at which church she may find him, Elizabeth grew suspicious.
Her awareness was further heightened when a still quiet Kitty excused herself shortly after his departure. She followed her sister from the house and onto one of the paths.
"I apologize for any uncomfortable position I may have put you in for my negligence in mentioning the incident yesterday," she said by way of acknowledging Elizabeth's presence.
"It is of no consequence. I am simply curious as to the cause of your pensiveness."
"Oh, Lizzie, he hardly noticed me," she moaned. "But why should I want him to? I feel so miserably ignorant in comparison to his intellect. Why did I waste my youth away in foolish pursuit of the trivial? He will think me but a silly child for my silence and my tears."
Elizabeth was alarmed at the depth of her sister's feelings for the man. Her sister hardly knew him! She pointed this detail out to Kitty who acknowledged it with a sigh.
"Lizzie I will not be foolish."
"I would not think you so."
Kitty was silent as she looked away from Elizabeth. "Even after Mr. Gibson?"
"Yes, especially so."
"You do not think I feel so strongly for him because three of my sisters are married and Georgiana is soon to be?"
"No, I do not think that," Elizabeth reassured her sister.
Kitty stopped slowly and took her sister's hand. "Thank you for everything, Lizzie. I cannot thank you enough."
Elizabeth sighed. "I do not always feel as if I stood rightly by you, Mary, or Lydia. I am trying to account for that now."
"You are not responsible for the duties of our parents, Lizzie," Kitty said firmly. "I lay blame nowhere; it lies upon too many parties, but you should not accept so much to rest upon you."
Elizabeth laughed weakly. "Whatever happened to the silly, willful girl who came to live with me more than a year ago?"
"Do you miss her?"
"No, but sometimes you make me feel old to see how much you have changed."
"I appreciate the change, but I do not wish to make you feel old."
"Well you would have made me feel tired if you had changed little. I believed you intended a solitary walk so I will leave you here."
They parted ways, and Elizabeth shortly returned to the manor. She returned to the parlor where she had left the chess game. Georgiana sat there, engaged in her reading.
Elizabeth meant to leave without disturbing her, but Georgiana glanced up. She smiled at Elizabeth and beckoned her in.
"May I see your hands, please?" Georgiana asked.
Elizabeth went to the young woman's side and held out her hands. "Is something wrong?"
"That is my mother's ring," murmured the young woman, as she examined Elizabeth's right hand. "I have seen it in several of her portraits."
"I told Darcy it ought to be yours," the elder murmured.
"Of course not. Father would have wanted you to have it. He told me himself."
Elizabeth was taken aback. "Truly?" She sank down next to Georgiana.
"He was not satisfied with his relationship with Darcy. My father was worried over how reserved Darcy was, and yet he could never draw Darcy forth. He once liked a young woman very much like you, and he wished for Darcy to marry her. It was then that my father showed me the ring and asked if I would mind if he were to give it to Darcy's wife. Having been told the history of the ring, I thought it only suitable that it be meant for the woman Darcy married. I was at that time a very young romantic and the idea of the ring continuing its heritage appeared to be the only logical end. I gave my consent, but to my father's dismay, Darcy was not interested in the woman, and any interest she may have had was extinguished when she became engaged to another man. My father was sorely disappointed, though he had refused to press Darcy into marriage. So great was his regret that he did not directly give Darcy the ring to give to his wife. Instead he set it among my mother's other jewelry and died without revealing where he had put it. It was not that he did not want Darcy's wife to have it, only that my father preferred to be difficult even from his grave." She smiled. "Perhaps he did not mean to be so; he may have simply forgotten he had not told Darcy where it was."
Elizabeth gazed at the beautiful ring, unsure now of her possession of it. Georgiana saw her frown and took her hands. "It belongs to you, Lizzie. You may ask anyone who knew my father and none will doubt how much he would have liked you. He always wished that I had more spirit. He loved my mother dearly for her quiet ways, but after her death he insisted that if she had had more vivacity she would have lived." Georgiana fell quiet. Never before had she revealed such intimate details of her family to Elizabeth. "Yes, he would have wanted you to have it, Lizzie, just as I want you to have it."
Elizabeth embraced the young woman. "Thank you."
Georgiana rested her head upon Elizabeth's shoulder. "I wish they were alive, Lizzie. I wish they were able to see Henry, to see you, to see Edward, to see me. I wish my mother were here to see me married, that my father were the one to release me to Henry."
The strength of her sobs shook Elizabeth and forced the tears from her eyes as well. She had frequently found fault with her mother and sometimes her father, but to never have known her mother? To have lost her father so young?
Elizabeth held Georgiana, for the first time in so long, thankful for her parents.