Whitestone: Thanks for thing with the letter, I'm surprised no-one else picked up on that! Anyway, I am very sorry, it seems my brain abandoned me for a bit!
Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 6
It had been agreed that the Darcys should travel to Kent during the second week of March. It had also been agreed, to Lady Catherine's displeasure, that they should not stay longer than a month. Kitty was not to join them and was instead to journey to Cheshire to stay with the Bingleys to assist when the time came for Jane to begin her lying in.
So it was that Mr and Mrs Darcy and Georgiana had arrived at Rosings Park and were now sitting in the drawing room accompanied also by the Collins'.
"Mrs Darcy, I see that you are with child. My nephew told me of the news. I must confess I was a little surprised, I had hoped that such a happy event was to be announced many months ago."
Elizabeth coloured a little as she composed herself.
"I am sure," Lady Catherine continued, "that you Mr Darcy are pleased, perhaps even a little relieved?"
"I do not see why relief should be the only emotion that I feel in this situation aunt." Mr Darcy began, "we do rejoice in the news, my relief is that not that I might have an heir but that I shall be a father."
Lady Catherine, astonished at Mr Darcy's remarks on the situation, turned her attention once more to Elizabeth.
"I trust, Mrs Darcy that you are seen to by a doctor regularly?"
"Yes your ladyship."
"And do you know when to expect the child?"
"In July we hope ma'am."
From this, conversation turned, much to Elizabeth's relief, to Georgiana and Miss de Bourgh.
After dinner, the card tables were set up, Elizabeth chose to abstain, choosing instead, the opportunity to talk with her dear friend Charlotte.
"Charlotte, is has been too long since we last saw each other," cried Elizabeth.
"Indeed, I do believe the last time we met was in April, on your last visit to Rosings. A great many things have changed since then!" said Charlotte, congratulating Elizabeth.
"Aye, they have!" Elizabeth laughed, "how is little Elizabeth?"
"She is healthy and growing more and more everyday, I do believe she is like her namesake, she already shows a mischievous spirit!"
"I am most surprised, I dare say neither of her parents have such a spirit, unless I have been deceived!"
"Not at all, I am most surprised myself. Lizzy, it would be an honour if you and Mr Darcy would join us at the Parsonage tomorrow."
"I do not believe we have any engagements, apart from the delightful company of Lady Catherine of course. I am sure my husband will not object, it will be a pleasure!"
"I am glad Lizzy for I have missed you greatly."
"And I you Charlotte."
Suddenly, Elizabeth felt a sensation that she had never felt before and she moved her hand to her swollen belly. She had felt fluttering movements in the last few weeks but this was definitely more than a flutter. Charlotte noticed the look of alarm on her friend's face.
"Elizabeth, what is wrong?"
The look of alarm was replaced with surprise as it happened again. Charlotte watched this strange situation unfold, she observed Elizabeth's hand on her belly and the seeing that she was surprised rather than pain in pain, laughed gaily.
Elizabeth stared at Charlotte with vexation, "Charlotte what do find so amusing?"
"Oh Lizzy, I do believe I can solve the mystery which surprises you so," Charlotte began, "your baby is making its presence known, I believe that you can feel it kicking!"
Elizabeth smiled in delight and laughed as she felt her baby move within her.
"I believe, Elizabeth, that Mr Darcy is most distracted from his game."
Elizabeth observed her husband unable to concentrate on what was occurring in the game as he strained to discover what had caused such surprise and laughter from his wife and her friend. Elizabeth laughed again.
"Mrs Darcy," Mr Darcy started, "do you find something amusing?"
"Not at all my dear. Perhaps you would be more focused on your game if I joined the table as I seem to be distracting you."
Although Elizabeth had been merely jesting with her husband, the suggestion was quickly taken up by Lady Catherine who insisted that Elizabeth take her place at the table. Elizabeth smiled warmly at Mr Darcy as she took her place next to him, he surprised her greatly by taking her hand and squeezing it gently. She coloured and looked towards Lady Catherine who was fortunately engaged in admiring Georgiana at the pianoforte.
Mr Darcy smiled at his wife's reaction to this almost public display of affection. However, he was most surprised as she kept hold of his hand, and, while the cards were being dealt, moved it so that it rested on her belly. He was astonished as he felt the small pressure move against his hand. This was their baby and already he loved it. However, the beginning of the game drew his mind back to the situation and, somewhat reluctantly, was forced to recollect himself.
The remainder of the evening passed pleasantly and arrangements were made to pay a visit to the Parsonage the following day.
Xxxxxxxx
"Mr Darcy, cousin Elizabeth, it is a pleasure indeed to have you here at our humble abode. It has not the splendour of Rosings park but it is most appropriate for a man in my position."
Elizabeth smiled at Mr Collins' welcome, she thought it a little unnecessary perhaps, after all, neither her or Mr Darcy were strangers to the house. Indeed, it held certain memories of previous encounters that Elizabeth wished not to dwell upon.
"Thank you Mr Collins."
Mr Collins insisted that Mr Darcy allowed him to show him his garden. Mr Darcy politely consented so Elizabeth followed Charlotte into the house.
"Lizzy," began Charlotte as they sat down in the sitting room, "there is someone I would very much like you to meet," she was, however, interrupted by a knock on the door and a maid entered the room, holding in her arms a child.
"Thank you Sarah," the maid left the room after placing the child in her mother's arms, "Lizzy, I would like you to meet Elizabeth."
Elizabeth took the child in her arms with delight. She had heard much about this new addition through her correspondence with Charlotte and had been eager to meet her. She was not unused to children having spent time with the Gardiner children but holding Elizabeth felt very different, more natural some how.
As she and Charlotte were engaged in the joys of motherhood, Mr Collins and Mr Darcy joined them in the sitting room. Mr Collins' reaction to the presence of his daughter was a little peculiar.
"Would you like her Mr Collins?" Elizabeth enquired.
"Ah, no thank you," Mr Collins started awkwardly before recollecting himself, "Your wife, Mr Darcy seems to have made a new acquaintance, this is our daughter Elizabeth."
Elizabeth was unsure of how her husband would respond, she had seen him very little with children. However, her anxiety started to lift as he took the child from her. He looked a little awkward as he held her and was certainly surprised when her small hand pulled at his ear. Mr Collins appeared to colour slightly, apparently embarrassed by his daughter. Elizabeth was puzzled, it was peculiar to observe Mr Collins with such a quiet countenance.
Just as Mr Darcy was beginning to look more comfortable, Elizabeth started to cry. Mr Collins flinched at the sound of his daughter's wails and Charlotte moved to Mr Darcy and took the child.
"Do not look so worried Mr Darcy, it is not your fault! She is tired. I am sure that you will grow accustomed to such vocal demands!"
"I am sure Charlotte," said Mr Collins, "that a nurse will bring much relief to Mr Darcy so that he is not disturbed."
Charlotte coloured violently at her husband's behaviour. "Come little one," she said affectionately to her daughter, "Perhaps it is time for a sleep."
Xxxxxxxxx
The time soon came for the Darcys to leave Kent and return to Derbyshire. Lady Catherine was still somewhat displeased that they had stayed for such a short time.
"Mr Darcy, I insist that your stay is extended, I am sure that you can spare another two weeks."
"No aunt, I am afraid we cannot. It is important that we return to Pemberley as planned."
"I do not see why you are in such a hurry to return. I expect that Colonel Fitzwilliam will soon come into Kent, I am sure he would like to see you."
"Aunt, it is important that we return while Mrs Darcy is still able to travel."
"Well, if you put it like that, I see there is little choice yet I am stilled vexed by the situation. Perhaps," she continued, "you could spare Georgiana, I am sure that Anne would enjoy her company."
Darcy looked towards his younger sister, she was only seventeen, too young perhaps to be away without a chaperone.
"Darcy, she will be in good company and kept safe, you need not worry."
"Georgiana, would you like to stay?"
"Of course she would!"
Darcy ignored is aunt and focused on his sister, in such company she spoke very little but looking at Lady Catherine, nodded.
"It would be an honour aunt."
Georgiana's consent seemed to appease Lady Catherine whose countenance changed from that of vexation to pleasure and so it was, Mr and Mrs Darcy returned to Pemberley.
Please review! Criticism is very welcome if it can help me improve my writing.