October 6, 2014 – Poor little Miss Darcy, she's being dragged all over England!

Chapter 23

The Darcys left early the next morning for Surrey. Because of the presence of Elizabeth's nurse in the carriage, Anne and Fitzwilliam were not able to converse on the subject foremost on their minds as they traveled to see Arthur and Helena de Bourgh at her family's estate. They had sent a message ahead to warn their cousins of their unscheduled visit. Helena was expecting their first child soon. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, were also at Thigston for the birth of their first grandchild.

It was a long journey for the family; Darcy was cramped, Anne was exhausted and Elizabeth was fretful. Anne's cousin Arthur greeted them when they finally exited the carriage.

"Anne, Darcy! We received your message that you would be arriving this afternoon! Come in, come in! Helena is anxious to see you and your daughter."

"Please forgive the suddenness of our visit."

"Nonsense. We are happy to see you again. Come inside and refresh yourselves and then you can tell us what has dragged you to Surrey."

The Darcys were grateful for the genuine hospitality offered by the Simpsons and de Bourghs. All four of them were gracious despite the near rudeness of arriving practically unannounced. Anne was quick to show little Elizabeth to Mrs. Simpson and Helena. Thankfully the child wanted nothing more than to sleep through the introduction. The couples spent time reacquainting themselves. It had been over seven months since they had last seen each other. Eventually the elder couple realized their guests wished to speak with Arthur and Helena alone; they made their excuses and retired for the night, leaving the younger people to their conversation.

"Now that our parents have so generously left us alone, will you tell us why you have made this impetuous journey?"

"Impetuous?"

"Darcy, you never arrive unannounced on someone's doorstep. I know you sent a note, but you know what I mean."

Anne and Fitzwilliam shared a look.

"Is there something wrong?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, no. We do not know."

"Is someone ill?"

"No, your family is well." Darcy stood and started to pace. Anne sat with her hands in her lap, twisting a handkerchief, her eyes examining the carpet.

"Has something happened at Bingley's?" Arthur shared a concerned look with his wife.

Darcy did not answer. Anne looked up.

"Fitzwilliam, please sit down. Your pacing is making me more anxious." After he was seated, Anne, now composed again, continued. "I suppose it would be easier if we started at the beginning. As you know, we were invited to Hertfordshire to a house party at the estate Charles Bingley has taken. I did not wish to go, thinking Elizabeth was too young to travel, but my husband prevailed. We had just arrived when we were told of a local assembly to be held that evening in the small nearby town of Meryton. When we arrived, a most extraordinary introduction took place…" Anne and Darcy then related the entirety of their acquaintance with the Bennets and their trip to Rosings to confront Lady Catherine. At that point, Darcy had the portrait of Mrs. Bennet brought out and both Arthur and Helena were amazed.

"Good lord, Anne. That could be you!" Arthur exclaimed.

Upon further inspection, Helena noted, "The eyes are slightly different, but that should not be surprising."

Then they were told of Anne's portrait and young Anne Bennet.

"I do not know what to say, Anne. You are still my cousin, but then again, you were not born my cousin. Not that it matters; you are still Anne de Bourgh Darcy. I assume the issue of Rosings has already come up?"

"Yes…" Darcy said warily, having no way of discerning Arthur's motives.

"Oh good grief, Darcy! I am not plotting how to steal Rosings from Anne. I highly doubt my uncle would not have provided for Anne after he adopted her – albeit in a rather suspicious circumstances. If he had any scruples about giving Rosings to Anne, he would have made sure the estate would go elsewhere. His will did name Anne as his heir, correct?"

"It would seem so. Lady Catherine kept a copy of it at Rosings in the event that the deception ever came to light. Our uncle, Lord Perryton, is in London investigating the matter, but it appears Anne is the legal heir, despite how she came to be a de Bourgh."

Anne looked at her cousin. "You are not angry with me?"

"Whatever for?"

"By all rights, Rosings should have been yours."

"Rosings was my uncle's to do with as he pleased. There was no entail; he could have left it to whomever he saw fit." Arthur sat next to Anne. "I reconciled myself to this a long time ago, Anne."

"Still…"

"No, Anne. What is done is done. Helena, tell her."

"Anne, Arthur and I have spoken about this many times. He bears no grudges over Rosings."

Anne bowed her head in retreat. She would address the question of Rosings' ownership with them later.

"What of your other family, the Bennets?" Arthur asked in an attempt to change the conversation.

Darcy responded. "They seem to be honest and respectable people. Mr. Bennet owns a small estate in Hertfordshire near Bingley's residence. They have seven children, besides Anne, ranging from two and twenty to ten years of age. Anne now has five sisters and two brothers. Only one, Jane, is older than Anne. We really know very little about them."

"But we intend to become better acquainted with them as soon as possible," Anne added. "I have had the chance to spend some time with two of the Misses Benn…of my sisters, Anne and Catherine, on our journey and at Rosings."

"I think my wife is intrigued to have brothers and sisters after being raised as an only child."

"Then we will be happy for you," Arthur said with obvious pleasure.

"Thank you," Anne replied sincerely, just as obviously pleased with her cousin's generous support.

"What is to be done now?"

"We will wait to hear what our uncle discovers. For now, we will return to Hertfordshire and if asked, will only admit that Anne is a cousin to Mrs. Bennet. I think we should remove ourselves from the neighborhood before people ask too many questions, though. It is Anne's hope that the Bennets will join us at either Rosings or Pemberley immediately following our exodus."

"That sounds like an excellent idea. I know I speak for Helena in telling you how happy we are to see you, under any circumstance, and that we hope you find the answers you seek. I know I appreciate that you came to speak with us in person, and as soon as you uncovered Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine's secret."

"We would have you hear such news from us."

"I know, Anne. I have never had any reason to doubt you."

~~~/~~~

The Darcys were awakened by a knock on the door. Fitzwilliam groggily threw on his dressing gown and answered the insistent rapping. It was the housekeeper.

"Pardon me for waking you, sir. Mrs. de Bourgh is asking for your wife."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"The baby is wanting to be born, sir. My mistress was hoping Mrs. Darcy would come."

Anne had donned her robe and come to stand next to her husband. "I will come immediately." She squeezed her husband's hand and gave him an apologetic smile. "Please take me to her."

Helena was resting in between contractions when Anne arrived. Mrs. Simpson and the midwife, as well as Helena's lady's maid, were there as well.

"Thank you for coming, Anne," Helena said wearily.

"Of course! You know I would do just about anything for you and your husband."

Another contraction came and Helena was nearly doubled over. Anne held her hand and whispered encouragement to her dear friend. When the pain had passed, Helena kept a hold of Anne's hand and pulled her closer.

"Does it get much worse than this?" she panted, trying to catch her breath.

Anne laughed. "A little, but then it will be over and you will have brought a child into this world. The memory of the pain quickly fades away the first time you hold your newborn babe. The pain will seem insignificant in comparison to the abounding joy you will experience."

Helena de Bourgh lay back against the pillows and closed her eyes, a faint smile gracing her features once again. She gave a small nod of her head and rested until the next birthing pain.

The women continued in their vigil all night and through the dawn. Darcy had dressed after his wife had left and gone to keep Arthur and Mr. Simpson company until there was news of the child.

Finally, the sounds of a newborn child were heard. The midwife told the new mother that she had a fine, healthy son. Anne, who had earlier slipped away to change out of her nightclothes, went to find the men and bring her cousin to meet his heir.

Arthur left to see his wife and the newest member of his family as soon as Anne had finished relaying the news.

Darcy drew his wife into an embrace, kissing the top of her head.

"You look happy… and exhausted."

Anne laughed. "I am, both. It was a long night. Come, I have a sudden urge to hold Elizabeth and then I think I will lie down for a while. Will you join me?"

Darcy could not refuse, nor did he wish to. He too longed to have his daughter safely in his arms.

~~~/~~~

After a day of rest for all parties, a very jovial group assembled for dinner. Only Helena was absent.

Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were justifiably overjoyed with the birth of their grandson. Arthur could not stop grinning.

"You are starting to remind me of Bingley, de Bourgh," Darcy said dryly.

"And I seem to recall a man I know from Derbyshire feeling just as ebullient about three months ago. Perhaps ebullient is not the correct word… delighted might be more appropriate. He is never one to effuse about anything."

"Except for his wife and daughter."

Arthur laughed. "Very good, Darcy! We understand each other completely."

Darcy raised his glass in salute. "To our children."

Once the meal began in earnest, Arthur could not resist teasing his cousin. "Anne, I was just thinking. Perhaps we should try and attach our children like your mother did with you and your cousin. The results speak for themselves."

"Elizabeth and your son? Arthur!"

"It worked!"

"I hardly think Fitzwilliam's and my union was the result of anything other than prudence and the happy chance we fell in love."

"Why could it not be the same for our children? We can suggest the match and leave it up to them to secure it. I think the years of your mother's speaking about her wish that you marry Darcy worked splendidly." Arthur broke into a huge grin. "Oh Anne, the look on your face! I am joking, of course!

"That is not funny, Arthur," Anne said quietly.

He saw she was in earnest. "I apologize, cousin. Of course I was not serious. I should have been more circumspect considering your errand. In my defense, I only see how happy the two of you are and how happy I am with my Helena and… well… my good sense ran away from me for a few moments."

Anne managed to smile at his concern. "I have known you too long to doubt your sincerity, but let us move on to more important things. Have you decided on names?"

"Malcolm Andrew George de Bourgh. That is, if you and your husband will consent to being godparents?"

A less tremulous smile graced Anne's face; both she and Darcy expressed their delight in the honor and pledged to return in a month's time for the christening. They also confirmed their original design to leave in morning. They needed to hasten back to Hertfordshire.

~~~/~~~

The Bennets arrived at Longbourn just in time to see Mary alight from atop Nellie with the help of an extremely short gentleman Mr. Bennet was sure he had never seen before.

"Papa! Mama! You have returned."

"So have you, it appears."

"We did not expect you before Monday."

"The rest of the party left Kent this morning and we thought it best to do so as well."

Mr. Bennet looked pointedly at the unknown man.

"May I present Sir John Whitby of Slaton Manor in Surrey? Sir John, this is my father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Bennet.

"Papa, Sir John is a guest at Netherfield and has been kind enough to see me home safely from visiting Jane."

"Heavens! Is Jane still ill?" Mr. Bennet said with some alarm. Mary's reply to the letter had implied Jane would be home within a day.

"She is much improved, Father."

"Indeed, sir," concurred Sir John. "She was well enough to come downstairs for a few minutes this afternoon. Miss Bennet expressed a hope of returning home in the morning after church. Of course, Miss Bingley has offered the use of their carriage due to the uncertainty of your return."

"Ah yes. Well, thank you for the report on my eldest daughter and escorting my second eldest home. If you will excuse us…"

"I should be returning to Netherfield," Sir John agreed with the dismissal.

"Will you not come in for some tea?" Mrs. Bennet asked, trying her best to mask the panic in her voice.

"You have just arrived; I really should be on my way." Sir John knew the master of the house would rather have a chance to shake off the dust of the road before being burdened with entertaining an unexpected guest.

"NO! I mean," Mrs. Bennet continued more calmly, "we may have just arrived ourselves, but we are always ready to offer hospitality at Longbourn. I insist you stay and take tea with us whilst the servants see to our things."

Not wishing to offend the lady of the house, Sir John acquiesced. He felt all eyes were on him. His courage rising, he stood a little taller – though it made no difference – and offered his arm to escort Miss Mary into the house.

Ensconced in the parlor, Sir John was introduced to the other members of the Bennet family. Of course he remembered Miss Kitty from the assembly, though he had not had a chance to ask her to dance before Mrs. Bennet became indisposed. Mary served him his tea, and soon Mrs. Bennet began her interrogation. She asked him about Slaton Manor and offered her condolences on the passing of his parents.

"And how long will you remain in Hertfordshire?" Mrs. Bennet inquired.

"My plans are not yet fixed, but I hope it shall be many more weeks, at least!"

"Excellent! You are always welcome here, Sir John."

"Thank you. madam. I must take my leave of you now so you can recover from your journey. I am sure we shall meet in the morning at the church."

"Oh yes, and my dear Jane!"

"She is anxious to return to her home."

"Thankfully it appears that she had nothing but a trifling cold. You must extend our gratitude to your hosts for nursing her back to health."

"It will be my pleasure." Sir John stood. "I have lingered much too long. Good day to you all."

"Good day, sir. Mary, will you please see Sir John out?"

Mary blushed, but did as her mother bid.

While they waited for his horse, they stood in full view of the house.

"You will be relieved to have your sister return."

Mary smiled. "Yes, Jane was missed." She thought of another sister who would soon return as well. A return twenty years overdue.

"I hope you and Miss Bennet will be able to call again at Netherfield, in complete health."

"I would like that."

"Your mother wishes for me to call again. Would you welcome my visit as well?"

"As Mama has said, you are welcome at Longbourn." Mary refused to say more – at this time. The stable boy brought Sir John's horse around and helped him to mount before any conversation could continue.

"Good day then, Miss Bennet." With a tip of his hat, Sir John rode away.

Mrs. Bennet wasted no time in rhapsodizing over her guest.

"A baronet! You have done well for yourself in the days we were in Kent."

"Mama, Sir John knew how preoccupied I have been worrying over Jane. He merely ensured that I traveled to Netherfield and back in safety yesterday and again today."

"He is smitten with you, mark my words! He may be a little shorter than you, but what does that matter! He is a very eligible catch! And estate all his own!"

"What of Kent?"

"Kent? Kent! Your father wishes to speak with everyone after dinner. Our news can wait until then. You must tell me everything about your Sir John. Such charming manners!"

Mary sighed. Once her mother caught wind of a man being even remotely interested in one of her daughters – usually Jane – she would not rest until she knew all. In truth, Mary had little to tell, but Harriet Bennet was determined to have her daughter say it all at least four times and four different ways before dinner. After-dinner conversation was reserved for another daughter; Lydia, William and Henry would be surprised to learn which sister!

The next chapter is the last in Part III.

For the guest reviewer who pointed out that I had incorrectly tagged the wrong character labels for the story, thanks. However, I did not make a mistake. And while they may not be wholly correct, they are not wrong. ;-p