Hello guys sorry for the delay.
Chapter 5- Darcy POV
Flowers, he was surrounded by flowers. It was night, the stars were shining. –"Lizzy you must wake we can continue in our room"
It had been a hot day, he was sweating and his wife's body was incredibly warm—"Mmm a little longer"— she said cuddling next to him.
Darcy woke with a start. Elizabeth was gone, had his dream been a memory, he didn't know but it brought a feeling of care and lust that surprise him. He looked out the window and saw it was snowing. The roads had to horrible, is that why his family wasn't here with him? What day was it? He lay down on bed thinking of everything Elizabeth had been telling him. Was it truly a love match? He could see falling in love with her, she was intelligent, beautiful and she looked and behaved like a lady. In Hertfordshire he had seen her visiting the tenants and knowing the neighbors he also heard that she helped her father managed the estate. But her family was vulgar; he couldn't imagine her mother at a ball with his own family or her sister Lydia having a season in town without scandal.
What about his family. He was sure Lady Catherine had fought the match. His Uncle must've yelled at the loss of connections. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Elizabeth's door opening. He looked up expecting to see her when he saw a tiny head pop out. He quickly sat up, was that who he thought it was?
"Ben?"- He said nervously
Ben heard his father's voice and ran towards him—"Papa!"
Darcy saw his son run towards the bed with a speed he hadn't seen anyone possess.
—"You are awake"— He yelled throwing himself towards him. Darcy winced but he quickly recovered.
"I am"— he said his eyes full with tears. He couldn't stop touching Ben. His tiny little arms and his head resting on his chest made him feel warm. He pulled Ben away from him to see him better. He looked like his mom; light honey hair with big Blue eyes but his nose and lips reminded him of Mrs. Bennet. He would be very handsome man someday.
"I missed you"— His son said sweetly and Darcy choked up again
"Me too Ben"— he said hugging him again. Kissing his head, he smelled of Soap and Lavender. Suddenly in image came back to him. A much younger Ben walking into the library with a small Kitten, He couldn't stay too long in the memory because the next thing Ben said chilled him to the bone.
"I thought you died"
"No Ben, papa won't go anywhere"— he said hoping Ben never had to cry on his dead body like he had done with his father. He will do anything in his power so that his son won't have to live through that.
"Good, Mama cried a lot"— he said in a whisper
"She did?"— He asked concerned. The idea of making Elizabeth cried didn't agree with him. He hated when he made anyone in his family worry.
The boy nodded.—"Yes, in the greenhouse I saw her when I was hiding from nurse"
He frowned—"Ben that was private"— he reprimanded him sweetly
"Sorry"
He realized that Ben wasn't entirely sorry. I don't even think he knows what he is being reprimanded for. –"Papa can you play in the snow?"-
"Not yet, perhaps mama can play with you"
"She did but Mr. Hartsfield came to see her"— he said getting up to jump in the bed
His steward was here? Was there any problems? He would have to ask Elizabeth, he couldn't get up and work but he should be consulted. His son kept talking.
-"I played with Sophie and Lucy for a little bit but she had work to do"—
"Who is Lucy Ben?"— He didn't remember any staff member with that name.
"Mamas maid"—
She must be Elizabeth Ladies maid.
He started jumping up and down. — "Ben please stop jumping you could fall and hit your head"— he said stretching to grab his son.
"Sorry"— He pouted— "Papa can you read to me"— he said looking at the poetry book Elizabeth left on the pillow. Darcy grabbed the book – "For a little bit, my head still hurts."— He stretched for the book.
"Oh poor papa"— Ben said giving him a kiss on his temple—"Feel better?"
He smiled – "Yes thank you that was very kind"— he said returning the kiss and pulling him closer to him. Looking at Ben he saw he was ready for a nap. Ben lay down next to him and looked up expectantly. He started reading and it didn't take long for Ben's eyes to close. He closed the book and observed his son.
He could only marvel at the little boy next to him. He had a son! That looked very similar to his own mother. If only his parents could meet him, it was in these moments he missed them. Darcy couldn't control the emotions. The tension of the last couple days were finally getting to him. He wept, finally understanding everything he had forgotten.
He cleared his tears and was about to call for Jenkins when his door opened.
He smiled at Elizabeth who looked worried. He moved to get up and Elizabeth chuckled.
"Oh he's here"— she said a hand to her chest, disappearing out the door.
He was confused for a moment then he turned around to look at the sleeping child next to him. He laughed; his son was sleeping when the entire household was probably looking for him. Elizabeth came back with a tray.
"Would you like some tea and Biscuits?"
"Yes thank you"— he said sitting next to the fire—"You were looking for him?"— He nodded towards his son
"Yes, he likes to hide from Mrs. Cecilia— His nurse—normally she finds him quickly, he likes to hide in the library or in your study but today after playing with Sophie he disappeared, no one could find him"
"Where were you?"
"With Mr. Hartsfield"— she said taking a sip from her tea.
"Is there a problem?"
"Nothing I can't handle. A few sick children, the physician has been called and some broken fences. Do not worry dear" – she said with a condescending tone.
He didn't like not knowing about his estate but her tone made him rethink his words. It wouldn't be prudent to fight with Ben in the room—"Very well"— He trusted Hartsfield to do his job.
He put his tea cup down – "I would like to walk, perhaps just in the hallway"
Elizabeth nodded and helped him outside. After a few moments Darcy was walking from side to side, his knees cracking. –"Before we continue with our conversation I would like to know if my family knows about my condition"
Elizabeth nodded. –"Yes everyone has been notified of your accident and the recovery"
"They know of the memory lose?"
"Yes I had to inform them since I had to cancel some of our plans and to let them know that visiting would be unwise according to the doctor. The roads are also very dangerous right know, we received word that the river has overflowed and the roads are close for carriages"
"What plans?"— He saw Elizabeth hesitate.
"Christmas"— she whispered
He had missed Christmas? No wonder Ben looked so sad. His family had spent a jolly day next to him on deathbed. - "What day is it?"
"28 of December your accident happen on the tenth"
"I am so sorry Elizabeth"— he said kneeling in front of her.
She shook her head—"I kept the children busy. We had a picnic in my room and opened presents, we played a little and the next day we took baskets to the tenets and gave the staff there presents you woke up the 26 so it can count as a Christmas miracle" – she said with teared eyes.
"Was the family supposed to come?
"No we were to go to the Bingleys"
He smiled.—"You like Charles wife then?"
She laughed— "He married my sister"
Of course he did. It was quiet obvious he was taken by her. He could only imagine Caroline's reaction.
Ben came out of the room interrupting his thoughts.
"Mama! I found papa"— he said pointing at him. He couldn't stop his smile. He had a son his baby boy was right there in front of him.
"Yes dear I know, but you gave us quite a fright especially Nurse Cici."— Elizabeth said sternly.
"I tell her sorry" – he pouted
"Yes please"— she said poking his nose. — "Now go, your sister was asking for you. Please tell Nurse that you will be having dinner with me and papa"
"Yes!"— He yelled before disappearing down the hall
"He's remarkable"— Darcy said
"Yes he is. Remarkable and exhausting"
"They have dinner with us?"
"Every day unless we have company, well it depends on the company"
He nodded. "Should we keep talking about our-my- proposal"
She sigh— "Our first proposal was not good. You insulted me and I did not behaved in the best manner. I will not forget it, you said you had struggled with your feelings and declared your love for me"
"That does not sound horrible"
"I will be going against the wishes of my family my friends (…) my own better judgment. The relative situation of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as highly reprehensible connection. Those were your exact words you said more but I do not remember it all"
Darcy stopped walking and just stared at Elizabeth not knowing what to say.
"After that I accuse you of separating my sister from Charles which you did. I mentioned Wickham misfortunes. I called you arrogant, selfish and said that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever marry."
Darcy had to sit. I insulted her while I declared my love; perhaps I was just being honest. Her words sting even now; -"I can imagine I did not take it well, my mother would be embarrassed of me."— He felt her lips in his temple.
– "My love it's all in the past. I am here and very much in love. You deserved my anger, yes. But I regretted my words they were unkind. And I had no reason bringing Wickham. I was blinded and for that I am sorry"
"What changed your mind?"
"A letter you wrote to me explaining everything. It started a little bitter but it opened my eyes to my mistake. I realize that you had suffered pain and that even if you were proud and arrogant you were honorable. I revaluated our entire interactions and felt ashamed that I had judge you so harshly."
"How improper of me"— he said making her laugh. He found himself kissing her forehead the smell of lavender and honey in his nostrils, she tensed and hugged him tight
— "Oh William I was so scared"
"I'm here."— He whispered holding her tighter.
"I know but we have to learn to be together again. You don't trust me I can see it in your eyes."
"We will learn"— she nodded and gave him a chaste kiss.
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