Chapter 3

When Elizabeth had time to sit by herself and consider the past, present and future she realized just how fast things had happened in the last few weeks. She and Mr. Darcy had been married only two months and their first child was already on the way. She was happy, but she was also nervous and a little frightened. Motherhood was a grave responsibility and she already had a great many new duties to cope with as the wife of such a prestigious man as Mr. Darcy.

Georgiana had been in raptures of delight when Fitzwilliam told her their news, while Elizabeth blushed furiously despite her desire to hide nothing from her new sister.

The sweet girl had at once taken Lizzy to her old nursery where the two had spent several pleasant hours, planning its redecoration. Lizzy had rather a hard time getting Georgiana's opinion on anything, so humble an estimation did Miss Darcy have of her own taste. None too sure of her own skill, Lizzy had found Georgiana's eager agreement to everything both amusing and endearing, but not likely to help her in enhancing the beauty of the room.

Now, as Lizzy sat quietly by herself, all the possible disasters and tragedies that could befall her child presented themselves, from a still-birth to an unhappy marriage. She had to laugh at herself for worrying that far ahead but the laugh was mirthless.

Always before, Lizzy had sought refuge from trouble in solitude and silence. Now, neither helped her. She knew that these morbid fantasies were a trouble that her husband's strong arms around her could heal and yet, stubborn to a fault and naturally independent, she was reluctant to admit her weakness to him.
She heard the sound of Georgiana practicing at the pianoforte. It was a joyful melody, the first one that Lizzy had heard her play when she visited.

Something about the tune gave her confidence and she slipped out of the house and out into the gardens. Darcy had reluctantly gone to the west fields that afternoon, to oversee the clearing of a new stretch of land but he should be returning any time now. She sat down to rest on a bench, feeling rather dizzy. Her head was pounding. No, the ground was pounding with the sound of hoofbeats; and here he came. He trotted up to her and dismounted with his usual easy movement. He handed the reigns to a gardener who led the horse away.

Always the gentleman, Fitzwilliam waited until Elizabeth had asked him to sit down by patting the bench beside her. He sat, and she lent her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm about her. Lifting his hand, Elizabeth placed it over her womb and held it there. He kissed her hair and then bent to explore her eyes.

"What's troubling you Elizabeth?" he asked, his own eyes suddenly fearful.

"The child and I are fine," Lizzy reassured him quickly.

His face relaxed and a smile of relief took the place of the anxious frown.

Lizzy was silent a moment, struggling with her pride.

Darcy lifted her chin. "Something is still wrong my Lizzy. What is it?"

He always knew.

"I am ashamed to admit my silliness," Lizzy admitted.

"There is no need to be ashamed," he said gently. "Tell me."

"I cannot help but be a little frightened at the same time as be happy," she whispered. "I am afraid something shall go wrong and most of all that I shall be a poor mother." The last words were almost inaudible.

He pulled her closer to him and held her tightly. It was just what she had wanted and she leaned into his chest, holding onto his coat and breathing him in.

"Now listen Elizabeth. Fears are natural I am sure… and forethought is always a virtue but if the doubts get too strong you can always come to me. I am honored by your confidence. Never doubt that you are going to be a wonderful mother. And as for complications, you are young and strong, and we shall see to it that you get everything in the world that can help you and the child be as safe as possible."

She nestled her head onto his arm, letting his comforting words flow over her.

"Thank you," she whispered. Then she straightened up and said bravely, "After all, this will be my first time as a mother. I shall make mistakes, but I shall learn from them and do better with the next child."

"Exactly," said Fitzwilliam. "And if it's any comfort to you, remember that this is my first time being a father and I am as terrified of the responsibility as you are!" He ran a hand though his hair as he spoke and looked so decidedly dismayed that Lizzy threw her arms around his neck.

"Oh, darling Fitzwilliam! But you do everything right! How can you be afraid?"

He laughed. "I? Do everything right? I fear you are suffering from memory loss Mrs. Darcy."

She grimaced. "I was such a disagreeable creature myself when I first met you that I have been attempting that very thing. Well, from now we shall strengthen each other, and draw comfort from the fact that we are in this together."

He nodded and then, seeing as her arms were still about his neck, he kissed her.

The roses screened them from view, and the April breeze caressed them softly.

Author's note: The sweet reviews that you all have left mean the world to me because I am not very confident about my writing and it was a leap of faith for me to start posting this story. Thank you all so much and please stay tuned for more chapters shortly.