Chapter Nine

As usual, the sound of a loud banging caused Lizzy to open her eyes.

"Mama! You've been asleep forever! I want you to come with us when we're dropped off for school!" It was John.

Lizzy managed to blink before she rose and then the world blurred. Feeling something off, she opened her eyes when her stomach seemed to convulse. Quickly rising, she dashed over towards the wash bowl and expelled her contents. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing when she drew back and turned away. She was thankful when Emma entered and John was behind her. Attempting to hide what was behind her, Lizzy plastered on a smile but her stomach convulsed again. She wasn't able to keep it in when she turned back and retched.

"Mrs. Mayfield! Are you unwell?" Exclaimed Emma as the maid rushed over.

Normally, as Lizzy would attest, the maid would enter and help her undress and prepare for the morning but now, as Lizzy continued to retch, she felt the woman's hand on her arm as she soothed.

"It's alright, Mrs. Mayfield. You can finish you're…" she was quiet for a moment… "Business until you're in better spirits to talk."

John, on the other hand, wasn't the least calm.

"Yuck!"

"Oh, John! Do yourself a favor: get back to your room and prepare for school. I'll help Mrs. Mayfield here."

John was too into his feelings of disgust, turned and obeyed. He was soon gone and left the two women alone. Lizzy was still retching when she managed to draw back and took a breath. Closing her eyes, she pressed her lips together as she thought.

"What in the world is wrong with me?"

"Finished?" Emma's voice asked.

Turning, Lizzy nodded before she inhaled. The experience left a flavor in her mouth and she made her way over and was thankful a glass of water was there on the nightstand. Once she finished, Lizzy returned her attention to Emma as she asked.

"Emma? I would like to decline John's invitation to accompany him to school. I remember Mr. Darcy was going to do that this morning. Seeing that his office is in town I wouldn't need to take the boys'."

The maid was carrying the bowl as she answered.

"I don't suppose Mr. Darcy would object to that, Mrs. Mayfield. I know he's busy and knowing your wedding is approaching, it wouldn't do him good to inform him about what you wish to do. But who would care?"

As the servant exited, she finished.

"You are going to be mistress soon. Would make sense to let you do as you please."

The minute Emma left, Lizzy's mind felt free. Regardless she was going to marry Fitzwilliam in 5 weeks, she knew her duties as housewife wouldn't be those of "a guest". Women as she'd known were responsible for the chores of the women servants, oversaw most of the meals, and kept house for men such as Mr. Darcy. After she prayed her morning prayers, Lizzy walked over to the closet where she scanned her selection of dresses. The season called for shades which would go with the weather but Lizzy chose to put on a light blue dress, which was decorated with a faint touch of lace, and she knew this one would do well for this morning. Emma was yet to return to help her dress so Lizzy decided to make the bed while she waited. It was a simple task and she enjoyed doing it. Once the last pillow was fluffed, Lizzy made her way back to the closet and drew out the gown just as the door opened.

"Alright; I apologize about the long delay, Mrs. Mayfield. Have you selected your dress?"

"Yes, I have. Thank you, Emma. I will be down in the dining room once this is finished."

And then with the assistance of Emma, Lizzy soon was dressed and made her way downstairs to enjoy her breakfast with Fitzwilliam as well as John. She only prayed William wouldn't display any more of his nastiness later.

"Hmm… seems that I'm not needed at the office today." Fitzwilliam announced.

As he sat at the table, Fitzwilliam waited for Mrs. Mayfield to appear. The butler entered and to Fitzwilliam's surprise, gave him a small note and when Fitzwilliam read the contents, he narrowed his eyes. His boss wrote he wasn't needed there and he could take the day off. Ignoring John's squeals, as well as his footsteps, Fitzwilliam leaned forward in his seat as he re-read what his boss wrote.

"Dear Mr. Darcy,

I wish to write that you have the day off. I apologize for not having informed you about it earlier but seeing you are to be married shortly: it would make sense you and your fiancé prepare for such a special occasion. We'll be able to manage without you for a while.

Congratulations.

Tom Brown."

Fitzwilliam blinked when he finished reading. Staring forward, he needed to soak in the reality his boss didn't wish to have him there this morning. Glancing over towards the sound of his boys', Fitzwilliam heard John squeal.

"Papa! I want mama to come and drive with us when you drop me off to school!"

John was wearing Transfiguration School's uniform and he was bouncing on his heels. Emma held him by his hand and gestured for him to take his seat. He willingly did so but Fitzwilliam couldn't help but notice John seemed to swipe away at Emma's hand. He drew himself up and rolled his shoulders when John sat down and seemed to imitate his father.

"Did I notice you tried to hit Emma's hand there, young man?" Fitzwilliam asked.

John winced under his father's reprimand and Fitzwilliam nodded. He had a suspicion somehow John wasn't his usual self. Perhaps it was the weight of school and waking early to attend Transfiguration School. He could understand that because a boy of his age would oppose to wanting to rise early; only to have servants wake him and prepare him for the day. At that moment, he heard another sound and turning, he kept his gasp in when Mrs. Mayfield entered, wearing a very lovely blue gown.

Her hair was neatly tied in a lovely bun and a few curls decorated her neck. He couldn't help but stare as she entered and his heart beat against his ribcage. He could have been certain John noticed because the little boy exclaimed.

"Mama! You're dazzling!"

"Why, thank you greatly, John! I accept the compliment." Mrs. Mayfield answered as she approached. Fitzwilliam couldn't help but feel John kick his legs under the table as the woman walked around and soon seated herself. She was opposite him and Fitzwilliam felt a little warm under the collar as she stared at him. He blinked when he realized he was the center of attention and John cleared his throat.

"If I had a nickel for how often my son stares at me," Fitzwilliam thought as he prepared himself to inform Elizabeth about the news, "I would count $10 because he's sending me nervous vibes!"

When he managed to find his voice, Fitzwilliam spoke.

"Mrs. Mayfield? John? I have an announcement. Mr. Brown, my boss, recently wrote to me and I've been told I am not needed today at the office. He expressed his congratulations on our engagement but I'm off as of today. Which means," he turned and raised a brow at John, who returned his father's gaze, "I will not be rushing to the office after William and you are dropped off for school."

John nodded but he pressed his lips together. Mrs. Mayfield spotted this so she asked.

"John? Why the pressed lips and narrowed expression?"

"I wanted mama to drop us off, papa!"

"And you don't like it when your father does it?" Mrs. Mayfield asked and John turned and nodded. Fitzwilliam could see that the relationship between the two was strong but he also noticed that Mrs. Mayfield wasn't in the mood to argue. And it was here he saw Elizabeth was a little pale. He kept his suspicion in when Lizzy turned to him after John answered.

"I liked it when you dropped me off last time, mama! Everyone said you were beautiful when you gave me a kiss!"

"And I'm sure they will be just as happy when your father does the same, John." Lizzy responded but then she turned and Fitzwilliam had her attention.

"Mr. Darcy? I wish to remain home because something happened earlier this morning."

Hearing this, Fitzwilliam again saw the paleness in Elizabeth's features so he asked.

"And what happened that makes you tell me you want to stay here?"

"Mama threw up this morning, papa!" John answered.

"John Darcy! You're one to talk!" A voice from the doorway spoke.

Fitzwilliam watched as Elizabeth turned as Emma approached with the porridge. The woman held the bowl in her hands and it was steaming. Fitzwilliam inhaled and felt a little off when he heard Lizzy answer.

"And he was a witness to it, was he not, Emma?"

"Yes, he was." The servant answered as she approached. She made her way over to Fitzwilliam first and before long, he was served a decent helping of porridge. Then she moved on to Elizabeth but she shook her head.

"No thank you, Emma. I wish to pass."

"Yes, Mrs. Mayfield." Emma answered and Fitzwilliam watched as she approached John.

"Seems that the young Mr. Darcy is the last one." The servant spoke and John stared straightforward. Fitzwilliam unfolded his napkin as the lady served the morning meal and soon left. Fitzwilliam knew the routine from here: once the napkin was on his lap, he asked for attention before he made the Sign of the Cross. Lizzy and John followed when he prayed thanks to God for the meal. After he was finished, Fitzwilliam immediately spoke to Lizzy.

"I will respect you for that, Mrs. Mayfield. After I drop the boys' off, would you like me to call for the doctor? I wouldn't want anything to happen that would affect any plans we have for our wedding."

Once more, Fitzwilliam noticed how pale Elizabeth was as she replied.

"If you so choose, sir, I'm willing to have an examination."

She was calm about him suggesting she see a doctor and Fitzwilliam was impressed. Regardless he was keeping his feelings for her in, he didn't want her to know that her increase of her paleness was growing on him. He'd seen this when she walked in and John's announcement of her "retching" brought a memory to him.

"You're going to drop us off and mama's going to stay home?" John's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Fitzwilliam turned and nodded as he replied.

"Yes, John. That's what will happen. Once we're finished, we'll proceed into the car and then I will drop you and William off. By the way," he turned and noticed his eldest wasn't there, "where is he?"

"I believe he's right behind you, sir." The butler's suddenly interrupted.

Startled, Fitzwilliam turned and nearly leapt out of his seat when William, his eldest, stood beside him with a brow raised like he'd done earlier. Fitzwilliam could have promised himself he heard Elizabeth smirk but he kept this in when the butler, who was in the doorway exiting the dining hall, stepped in as he explained.

"Sir? Mr. William here was a little tardy when he prepared for school. He wanted to make sure he was at his best before he presented himself. Seems he was a little ahead of me when he entered and did…"

"A little sneak attack." William answered and he clicked his heels before he seated himself. John, out of the corner of Fitzwilliam's eye, detected John seemed to cringe at his older brother's retort and even Lizzy wasn't pleased with this. Fitzwilliam felt the entire world was on him so he spoke to the butler.

"Thank you, Albert, for informing us about William. I'm thankful to know he's here and we should probably get moving along. School starts soon and I for one don't wish to have the boys' be late."

Here, Fitzwilliam was startled when Lizzy reached out and rang a tiny beside her. All eyes of the men, including the butler, stared at her as she called.

"Emma! Would you best step in and serve William his porridge? The boy is fidgeting to get moving along."

If there was ever a sense of victory against shock, all mouths dropped open when Emma rushed in, as by the summons of Lizzy's bell, and happily served William his breakfast. The boy barely had his own spoon in hand when the steaming porridge was before him. Emma finished spooning it to him as she spoke.

"For you, Mr. William Darcy."

Then she scurried off and Fitzwilliam saw how pleased Lizzy was when a smile appeared on her face. Then she turned and addressed William.

"I believe a thank you would suffice there, young Darcy."

Fitzwilliam took this as a cue. He turned and waited for his son to thank his soon to be step mother. Even John waited in anticipation.

"Thank you, mama, for ringing for me to have breakfast." William answered but with clenched teeth.

Anger flashed in Fitzwilliam's eyes when he noticed Will wasn't exactly "being attentive to his new mama." He turned and spoke to him.

"Will? That was very fine of you to thank Mrs. Mayfield for doing that for you. I'm pleased."

His son spooned the porridge but avoided eye contact when he replied.

"You're welcome, papa."

"But I can still feel the tension in him over this." Fitzwilliam thought as he settled back in his seat. Remembering the boys' were to be at school before nine, Fitzwilliam informed William about the change of plans and how Mrs. Mayfield would remain at home until he dropped them off. Throughout the minor explanation, all William did was nod and he ate his breakfast. Glancing at the clock, Fitzwilliam knew he needed to be moving along so he ate his own meal before he asked Albert to prepare the car for departure.

He gave John a little kick in the back.

After he bid his two boys' farewell and to have a splendid day, Fitzwilliam asked Albert to wait for him while he chose to go to the Adoration Chapel which was beside the school. The church wasn't too far off and Fitzwilliam wanted some solitude as well as some discernment on what was to happen with him and Lizzy. Prior to him leaving the manor was he'd asked Emma to write to the doctor to come and examine her.

"I couldn't help but notice she was growing paler by the minute." He thought as he stepped back and nodded to Albert. He knew his butler would be ready for him once he was finished in the Adoration Chapel. Then he made his way in the direction where Adoration was and soon… Fitzwilliam found himself standing before the Blessed Sacrament.

Genuflecting, Fitzwilliam stepped to the newest pew where he made the Sign of the Cross and closing his eyes, he started to pray as his heart thumped. Remembering the mistake he'd made when he married Rachel, Fitzwilliam felt his throat twist when he bowed his head as he prayed to Our Blessed Lord as well as Our Blessed Mother in the depths of his heart. Elizabeth Mayfield was a woman he'd known prior to her marriage before Edward and hidden within the very man he was, Fitzwilliam still loved her. When she appeared on the Carpathia, he saw her and her expressions and all the former feelings of love returned to him. Opening his eyes, he stared at the Blessed Sacrament when he replayed how lonely she looked without her husband beside her. Little was he aware of the death of Rachel and when that had happened, Fitzwilliam felt a release from the enslavement of his mistake he'd made with her.

"She'd been of non-Catholic upbringing and that was the greatest mistake I made in my life." Fitzwilliam prayed as he stared at Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

"When you gave me this grace to have a second chance with her, my heart felt released and soared to the Heavens, O Blessed Lord."

"I am still trying to uncover my mistake with her and I'm sorry to say, William's followed in her footsteps. You know how hard it's been since her passing and along with Elizabeth's stepping in to replace her, I only ask that you help him accept her as John has."
A haunting memory of how Rachel showed signs of pregnancy appeared before him as Fitzwilliam resumed his bowed position. Attending the Blessed Sacrament was a comfort for him and Fitzwilliam never told anyone about this part of him. As he continued to pray, Fitzwilliam hoped that all would be well and fine with his union to Elizabeth. When he stepped out of the Chapel, his heart was beating as fast as a drum because he discerned, that if it was God's Will he marry Lizzy, he was already feeling the guiding Hand of the Father when a sense of peace entered him. Then he called for Albert to come and take him back to the manor. He knew too the doctor would be there with results of her condition. Part of him hoped it wasn't the flu as the vehicle drove back.

"Is it me or are we being followed?" Fitzwilliam asked.

It didn't take long for him to finish speaking with Our Blessed Lord before he found himself sitting in the seat of his car. He was thankful Albert knew his routine of spending time in Adoration but he also hoped his butler wouldn't worry to an access of how long he was there. Albert was Catholic but Fitzwilliam didn't know if he was practicing or not. The two drove away from the Chapel and it didn't take long for Fitzwilliam to notice another strange car behind them. He turned around and eyed the driver.

"Yes, sir. We are being followed." Albert's voice replied.

Remembering how staring wasn't polite, Fitzwilliam returned his attention to the morning light as the sun's rays touched his face. He tried his best to ignore their driver behind them, who was driving a similar car like his, but all Fitzwilliam could tell was that this driver was tight on their heels. Fitzwilliam noticed the vehicle when he left the Adoration Chapel but now, in the side view mirror, he couldn't help but feel that their follower was tight on their end. It was here the men entered the main street and this feed into other cars. Fitzwilliam knew finely the shouts and screams of New York especially in the early morning. The boys' school started at 8:30 but the principal there gave specific instructions the children arrive there 20 minutes to. Or at other times: earlier.

As Fitzwilliam turned, he watched as Albert steered the car into the traffic but Fitzwilliam noticed that the other car zoomed a little distance behind them. One of those "old fashioned carriages" appeared in front and this blocked the two. But Fitzwilliam could tell that the driver wasn't pleased with this change of vehicles. Turning to Albert, Fitzwilliam asked.

"Have you ever seen him before? He doesn't seem to know the roads as well as we do."

Albert, the sensible one of the two, glanced in the review mirror as he answered.

"No, sir. He certainly doesn't."

It was at that moment when a loud honk was heard. Then Fitzwilliam turned around when Albert put the foot to the pedal and drove forward. But the driver, who'd been pursuing them earlier, suddenly jolted forward and soon hit the back of their vehicle with a very hard slam. Fitzwilliam let out a startled cry when Albert zigzagged their drive to the left, while trying to avoid the "old fashioned" carriage who'd taken a little speed of its own to avoid the other cars. The disappearance of the carriages with horses was vanishing and Fitzwilliam known that the first car appeared in 1908 and the speed it progressed was 8 miles an hour. But when he felt Albert steer the car to the right, Fitzwilliam heard other shouts from around them.

"That driver reared our vehicle, sir!" Albert shouted.

Fitzwilliam took this as a cue to glance back again. When he did, the image of the other driver appeared and then he felt his body jolt forward when another impact hit them from behind. Fitzwilliam hit the front of the car hard with a bang and his vision blurred when Albert shouted.

"Sir! You're bleeding!"

But then the driver from behind hit them from behind and Fitzwilliam's head collided with the front of the drive. Seatbelts weren't apparent when Fitzwilliam pushed himself out of it but felt the blood on his forehead.

"Sir! Two more cars!" Albert shouted.

Two similar cars, which were both black, appeared out of nowhere beside Fitzwilliam and Albert. As Fitzwilliam reached out to hold his bleeding head, he made out two black cars of the same style as his. Try as he might to contain the bleeding, it felt like he'd been slashed by a sword across the forehead when Albert shouted.

"They're trying to hit us from the sides!"

Before Fitzwilliam could ask a question, there suddenly was another honk, the sound of crunching metal, shouts against shout, gas pedal pressed by a foot… and when Fitzwilliam hit his head a final time against the dashboard…