~~P&P~~
Darcy sat with his head hung in his hands brooding over all the information that Charles had shared with him. Charles had managed to lower himself into the chair across from Darcy's desk after he finished delivering his news and was sure Darcy wasn't going to attack him simply for being the messenger. They sat together in silence for over ten minutes just processing the information and imagining what their trip to Hertfordshire would hold now that the presence of that scoundrel, Wickham, was going to be present, and how they could protect themselves and the ladies from any unpleasantness.
"You should write to your cousin and see if he would be able to join us, that should provide some deterrence for Wickham, you said yourself that he fears Richard more than anyone." Charles broke the silence.
"He fears him because Richard was barely restrained from killing him, I do not know if I want to tempt my cousin, I would not want to risk him being imprisoned or at the least stripped of his rank. However he does have a very close friend that may be able to help us even more since he would be unknown to Wickham and could stick to his shadow inconspicuously. He and Richard became fast friends because they both were from titled families but lacked the birthright of a first son and sought the military to make a life and name for themselves. Rhys is the third son of a Baron and a few years younger than my cousin but Richard says he is much more motivated than he is, despite his youth he rose through the ranks at the same pace as my cousin also achieving the rank of Colonel before leaving the army after being severely wounded. He has recovered though, he set up his own security and investigation company, he mostly runs background checks and handles unpleasant situations for the rich and titled but he would be perfect. Also I have met him a few times and he seems to be an honourable gentleman so I feel comfortable working with him and having him around the family, many in his trade are not so agreeable, but we should keep Richard in our back pocket just in case Wickham gets out of line. I will write to him and ask him to contact Rhys and tell him to be ready to be called in for the reserves if we need him to scare Wickham which I am sure he will be happy to oblige although we may have to fight him not to join us from the beginning, he may even offer to get rid of him now and save us all the hassle."
"I agree that it is best not to tempt your cousin then I did not realize his anger was so severe and I did not realize that the situation is so severe as to involve private security. As you know I do not know the whole of your dealings with Wickham, and I do not need to, if you say he is a scoundrel I believe it, but how concerned should I be?" Charles questioned.
"You are one of my greatest friends Charles and now I have the added honour of calling you brother I believe that I may share the tale with you." Darcy began as he recounted his dealings with Wickham. When he had finished his story Charles rose and began to pace for a minute his expression unreadable, for a second Darcy worried that he may judge Georgiana poorly, but then Charles spoke.
"I think you will be out numbered if we put it to a vote to just kill the scoundrel and save ourselves, no the world, the trouble of ever dealing with that monster again. How did you ever not only manage to restrain yourself from murdering him, but your cousin as well, no one would have blamed you."
"Perhaps, but then we would have had to reveal Georgiana's involvement and since the damage was not done we wanted to protect her and her reputation and Wickham knew it, that is why, I am sure, he never spoke of it or spread rumours about her because he knew her reputation was the only thing stopping us. "
"Well I shall go check on the ladies and leave you to write your letter, please pass on my regards to your cousin and let him know if he feels he can not stay away he is more than welcome at Netherfield anytime." Charles said as he headed for the door.
~~P&P~~
Within a week Darcy heard from Richard saying that Rhys was just wrapping up a case and that they would be coming to visit him and hoped to arrive by the 16th so that they would have time to strategize before the holidays. He also made it quite clear that if Darcy wished to keep him from confronting Wickham he would respect that but he would be part of the planning and would be overseeing Rhys and be ready to act if needed. Darcy was able to relax a bit knowing that Elizabeth and Georgiana would have so many people looking out for them. He knew that Elizabeth knew something was bothering him, he also knew that he was going to have to tell her and Georgiana about Wickham's presence at Longbourn, but he wanted to wait until he met with Rhys and his cousin and they had a plan. He was tempted to try and persuade them not to go but knew that it would not work. Elizabeth would not miss being there for Charlotte for anything and he would have a hard time arguing to avoid Longbourn when they would be so close anyway.
Other than the Wickham unpleasantness in the back of his mind, he and everyone else it seemed was having a great time. Darcy was glad to see his sister blossoming even more with the addition of another sister, he knew she feared that Jane wouldn't be as accepting of her as Elizabeth but that was not a problem at all, the three of them were already so close that any outsider would not know that Georgiana was not a blood sister.
Darcy and Bingley had been looking at available properties within the area, there was not a lot though for what Bingley was looking for. However, yesterday Darcy received a letter from an acquaintance to inform him that a gentleman in a neighbouring county was seeking to quietly sell his homestead. The homestead was less than a 3 hour carriage ride away, which would be perfect because it was far enough that they could both have their autonomy but be close enough for regular visits and could reach each other within an hour with a good rider if ever there was an emergency. Darcy also knew of the gentleman and the homestead and because of this knowledge he deduced that he was selling because of gambling debts and thats why he wanted to keep it quiet as possible.
They were riding out to view the place now having excused themselves from the ladies after breakfast. Bingley wished to view the property before revealing his plan to Jane, he was still unsure how she would feel about moving away from Netherfield. Although he had every intention to maintain that residence as well, it would be worth the cost just to know that he would never have to stay with his in-laws when they visited. He could rent out parts of the land and hire a steward to run the estate so that it was profitable. He knew Darcy would also appreciate having a safe haven when they were in Hertfordshire as well and would be willing to help him manage the property from afar if he asked. In fact when he thought about it he was willing to bet that Darcy would purchase Netherfield himself if Bingley were to sell for the same reason that he wished to keep it. Nevertheless he was sure that Elizabeth's presence and their soon to be niece or nephew would bode well for his cause.
The estate was quite a bit smaller than he imagined but Darcy told Bingley that the owner has been selling off plots every year or so for some time. The house itself would need a little updating and it was obvious much of the furniture and art had been sold off as well. Bingley wasn't too troubled by this he knew that this would allow him to negotiate the price better and he would have Netherfield as well, he may even have opportunities to buy back some of the surrounding land in the future if he wanted to restore it to its former glory, for now though it would serve his main objective; to put some distance between him and his mother-in -law.
They asked if they may return tomorrow with their wives as well and headed for home. Darcy was anxious because the doctor was due to arrive this afternoon to check on Elizabeth. "I am sorry Charles if I rushed you a little bit, I promise tomorrow to spend more time surveying the property with you, we can ride separately from the laddies carriage if you like so we wont be rushed. It is just that it has been nearly a month since the last time the doctor checked on Elizabeth and I would like to be there" Darcy apologized.
"Not to worry Darcy" Bingley replied. "I am thankful for your company and insight. I understand you wanting to be there for Elizabeth, I just wanted to have an idea if the estate was appropriate before dragging Jane out here and we saw more than enough to convince me that it is a solid possibility at the very least. Now I just need to see if Jane is open to the possibility".
When they arrived home the laddies greeted them and Elizabeth called for their afternoon tea to be readied early and for lunch plates to be brought for Fitzwilliam and Charles since they missed lunch. "We might as well have our tea a bit early and join you" Elizabeth explained. The men excused themselves to freshen up quickly and by the time they returned tea was being served. Fitzwilliam was just about to take a bite of his sandwich when a servant announced the doctor.
"Excuse us Doctor Wyatt, we were just having a late lunch and the ladies chose to have an early tea and join us. Would you care to join us for some tea and refreshments" Fitzwilliam asked.
"Not a problem, Mr Darcy, please finish your meal," Dr Wyatt added when Darcy pushed his plate aside. "Tea would be delightful, thank you."
Fitzwilliam showed him to the table "May I introduce Mr and Mrs Bingley" Fitzwillaim gestured towards Charles and Jane. "Mrs Bingley is Mrs Darcy's sister and will be here for here confinement. Jane, Charles this is Dr Wyatt"
"Pleasure to meet you both" Dr Wyatt said as he seated himself.
Elizabeth rose and served Dr Wyatt. "How are you Doctor, are things very busy for you." She questioned politely.
"Yes, I must apologize for not making our last appointment, Mrs Darcy, but it is uncanny how mishaps and ailments always seem to increase near to the holidays. Unfortunate really, I just had a patient pass away yesterday, now her poor family must grieve over the holidays, it seems so unfair" Dr Wyatt explained.
"I suppose that there is never a convenient time to lose a loved one, but you are right that losing one so close to Christmas does seem to add insult." Elizabeth responded kindly. "And you need not apologize for missing our last appointment, had we any concerns my husband would have dragged you here himself I am sure" she teased to lighten the mood.
"Mrs Bingley as you are to be my assistant for the birth, may I ask if you have any children yourself" the doctor questioned.
"Not yet sir, Elizabeth and I were married on the same day and we have not been blessed yet, I hope that my inexperience will not hinder my usefulness," Jane replied.
"Not to worry as long as you are a comforting presence for your sister and can keep calm even though the experience will be new to you I will be more than happy to have you on my team" Dr Wyatt replied.
"There is no one else who has a more calming presence than my sister and her constitution is much greater than even she would give herself credit for" Elizabeth praised her sister causing Jane to blush.
When Dr Wyatt finished his tea he rose and asked "Mrs Bingley would you like to join us for the examination, Mr Darcy I will come get you after a cursory exam."
Mr Darcy nodded and Elizabeth led the way for the doctor and Jane. Laney and Sara were waiting outside Elizabeth's room to welcome them "Mrs Darcy, Doctor, Mrs Bingley," Laney greeted as they both curtseyed. "Mr Darcy asked us both to be here to assist in any way needed" she explained.
"Thank you Laney, perhaps you both may help me change while Jane and the Doctor get to know each other," Elizabeth responded. Turning to Jane and the doctor she added "I will only be a minute."
As they waited Dr Wyatt explained a little to Jane what to expect as Elizabeth approached confinement and was explaining a little about how the labour would most likely proceed when Sara opened the door and informed them that Mrs. Darcy was ready.
During the exam the doctor continued explaining how the labour would go and what Jane would need to do and what Elizabeth should do to prepare. "Will there be anyone who has had a child joining us as well for the birth" he questioned. "Not that I do not have faith in you Mrs Bingley, just that it is a very overwhelming experience that words alone can not prepare you for, and as a man who has never experienced labour first hand I acknowledge the shortcoming I possess in being able to relate, despite having delivered hundreds of babes."
"We are to travel shortly so that I may be with my dear friend for her confinement so I will have a chance to learn from her experience, I could ask her to be here for mine but I do not know if she would be able to travel so soon after giving birth or if her husband would allow it, and as much as I would love to have her here, he is near the top of the list for those I would least like near me during anytime of distress" Elizabeth explained.
"Perhaps your mother?" The doctor asked.
"Although I love her dearly she would out rank Mr Collins in terms of least desirable company" Elizabeth replied quickly. "Forgive me that must sound cruel."
"Not at all Mrs Darcy. I understand completely, sometimes there are people that we love that wear very heavily on our nerves and would not be beneficial to have around in times of distress as you put it." The doctor acknowledged. "I am sure it will not be a problem as long as we have Jane and your lady's maid."
As he finished the exam and washed his hands in the basin provided he sent Sara to retrieve Mr Darcy and asked "Now you are over 12 weeks along, how are you feeling?
"I am still experiencing quite a bit of sickness and have been quite emotional. I have also noticed that my dresses are getting tight and have had a few already. We have sworn our seamstress to secrecy and she is making me some dresses that will help hide my condition for our trip." Elizabeth answered. As she finished there was a knock on the door and she called for them to enter, Mr Darcy entered and she could see the concern in his eyes and would bet that he had been pacing and wring his hands this whole time. He came to the side of her be and kissed her forehead and looked expectantly to the doctor.
"So you have had to let out some of your dresses already, how long has that been going on?"
"I can't quite recall, I guess about two weeks, is that right Laney?" Elizabeth answered turning to her lady's maid for conformation.
"Yes Milady, we began two weeks ago but we had been avoiding the tighter fitting dresses for nearly a month now" Laney answered.
"Hmm, and the sickness and dizzy spells have they lessened any?"
"Not really, they decreased after I found out I was pregnant because I have been taking the precautions you recommended but I still feel it under the surface, I am not always able to keep it at bay." Elizabeth answered.
"You had mentioned being emotional your, mood swings will become quite normal the farther alone you go, how have you felt a change in your moods?" the doctor continued.
"I have been quite prone to tears, I am not normally one to cry, and sometimes I feel myself feeling short tempered, or more so than usual anyway," she joked.
"Well it is good that you are dealing with them with good humour, try to keep the positive mindset as you progress it will make the swings more bearable for you and those around you," The doctor advised jokingly back.
"Surely you exaggerate Doctor, we all understand that the pregnancy will have some changes, I find it hard to imagine that our patience could be tested by her mood swings especially while she is in such a fragile condition," Fitwilliam questioned.
"Do not be too hasty to tempt fate Mr Darcy I have seen even the calmest most rationale women driven to tantrums that would put most five year olds to shame. Not that I am suggesting that you would be Mrs Darcy, I just wish to convey that such behaviours are not out of the realm of normalcy so that your concerned husband is prepared." The Doctor took a deep breath, "unfortunately I do need to inform you of a suspicion that may add to your worries, not that I believe it is anything be overly concerned about, it should have little impact on Mrs Darcy's overall health" he added when Mr Darcy looked like he was going to faint at the mention of worry and his wife in the same sentence. "I merely think that we should all be prepared for the strong likely hood that we are dealing with multiple births."
"I am sorry what do you mean Doctor" Darcy asked.
"He means he thinks we may be having twins" Elizabeth translated going a little pale.
"Obviously, I can not know for certain but you are gaining weight faster than is typical and your symptoms are quite intense and are not lessening as quickly as usual, which some women carrying twins experience. There may only be one, you are quite petite so perhaps the weight is just more noticeable, I just do not want you all surprised if there are two babes."
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam looked at each other both pale from shock, Jane noticing their need to privacy said "perhaps we should give the happy parents time to digest this possibility" and led everyone out of the room.
Fitzwilliam never broke eye contact with Elizabeth as everyone exited but as soon as he heard the door close he brought his hand to rest over the swell of her tummy as he had wanted to since the moment he walked into the room, but now it was acceptable to do so as they were alone. "Wow, I wasn't expecting that," he said.
"Me either, but don't worry we can handle this together, the doctor says I am progressing well and I am healthy and strong, carrying two children at once just means that we have been doubly blessed." Elizabeth soothed seeing the worry in his eyes.
"Together" he echoed leaning in to kiss her.
