Chapter 1
Georgiana saw her first. "Brother, the young lady is all alone. Might we ask her to join us?" She indicated to a young woman sitting alone, with a cup of tea in front of her. Then her gaze took in the nearly full public room.
The young woman Georgiana pointed out was pale and dressed in unrelieved black. Her stillness was more eye-catching than her widow's weeds. Looking around at the other occupants, he noted she was indeed garnering attention. Too many men were eyeing her, for his comfort.
"Georgiana, will you accompany me please?"
Together they moved toward the young woman. When they reached her side, he bowed slightly.
"Forgive me, Madam, for importuning you. My sister and I were wondering if you would like to join us in our private dining room?" His eyes flickered around the room and rested back on her. "I believe you will feel…. more comfortable in a quieter space."
She slowly raised her head when he began to speak. As his gaze had taken in the room and its occupants, so too did hers. A slight widening of her eyes indicated she perceived what he was hinting at.
"I thank you, sir. It is most kind of you and your sister to show concern for my well-being." Her voice was soft, yet melodious. "If it is not too much trouble, I should be grateful to accept your hospitality." Gathering her reticule she pushed back her chair and slowly rose to her feet.
Only then was her condition made obvious. The young woman was very near her confinement. Maybe even well past.
He gestured for her to proceed after Georgiana, but she took only one step and stumbled. He lunged to assist her, concerned she was fainting.
"Madam, are you well?"
"Thank you, sir." She offered him a small, sad smile. "I am well."
"Is there any way I might be of assistance?"
'No, I thank you. I am waiting for the post coach. I understand the next one is due early tomorrow morning."
"Forgive me for being indelicate, but are you quite alone? Your situation would warrant a companion; at the least, a maid."
She stood as tall as her short stature would allow. "I am traveling back to my family." She swallowed audibly. "There is no one else."
"You have my condolences." He offered in a low tone.
He saw her quickly blink away tears. "Many have lost loved ones. I am merely the most recent in a long line of broken hearts and families."
He indicated ahead at which door she should enter.
Entering the well lit room, she spied the black armband on his sleeve and black trim on his sister's garments.
"I must extend my condolences to you both, as well."
"Thank you. My wife. It was... not unexpected."
"That does not make it any easier."
"It does not," he agreed. "My sister and I are on our way to town. This is a temporary stop for us, to change over the horses and partake of some refreshments. We should be happy to have you join us when we resume our journey."
"You are very kind." There was a questioning look in her eyes and a half smile twitched on her lips. He waited, the moment growing into uncomfortable silence.
Then, she curtseyed, "I am Mrs. Carrington."
Darcy started. "Oh, do forgive me." He offered her a low, formal bow. "Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire. This is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."
Both ladies curtseyed and greeted one another.
"Pray, be seated. Georgiana, I shall speak with the innkeeper and order tea and sandwiches."
"Very good, Brother. We shall remain here and await your return."
He nodded at her and exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Miss Darcy and Mrs. Carrington sat in worn, but comfortable chairs by the fire.
"I am quite envious, Miss Darcy. I always wanted an older brother. He seems to take great care of you."
Georgiana had stiffened at the beginning of Mrs. Carrington's words, but relaxed by the conclusion. "I am most fortunate. He is the best brother, and so good to me. I can honestly say he is the very best of men."
"He is certainly a kind one. You both are. I am truly grateful for your condescension." She shivered. "My mind was elsewhere and I had no notion of the… attention my presence garnered in the public room."
A sharp knock on the door heralded Darcy's return. "Tea should be here shortly."
He joined them near the fire. Leaning an elbow on the mantle.
"Where does your family reside? In which direction do you travel?"
"My father's estate, Longbourn, is a mile outside Meryton. A small town on the North road."
"I know of it. There shall be no problem taking you there. It is on our way and we are in no hurry."
"It is good of you, sir, but I should not like to put you out. I had planned on taking the post coach."
Georgiana rested her hand briefly on Mrs. Carrington's. "Pray, allow us to be of use to you. I know I shall sleep better knowing you made it safely home."
Mrs. Carrington clasped the younger woman's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Then all I shall say is thank you."
Another knock sounded on the door. This time it was a maid with the tea. Everyone rose and moved towards a round table near the window. Darcy seated both women before taking his own seat, while the maids set out the tea, sandwiches and small cakes.
The room was quiet as tea was drunk and a few cakes were nibbled.
Mrs. Carrington was shifting in her seat and let out a long breath. Before Darcy could speak, she did. "I must ask if it is common practice for you to rescue damsels in distress as you travel up and down our great land." He perceived the glint of humor in her large, dark eyes.
Georgiana giggled softly. "This is our first time, but my brother does on occasion make a habit of rescuing people."
Darcy narrowed his eyes at his sister. "However, this time it was Georgiana who was the rescuer. She noticed you and raised her concerns." He settled his gaze on Mrs. Carrington, noticing her brown eyes looking even larger against the sudden paler of her complexion.
"Mrs. Carrington! Are you unwell?"
She did not respond, her breathing hitched, then grew rapid.
"Mrs. Carrington." He took one of her hands in his and tapped the top of it a few times.
The look she turned on him was full of fear. "It is too soon." She whispered.
"Brother?" Georgiana was glancing between them.
"It is well, Georgie." Darcy placed the hand he was holding on the table and rose. "I shall just step out for a minute or two."
He walked swiftly to the door but looked back before exiting. Catching his sister's eye, he gave her a reassuring smile and a nod toward their guest. She nodded back and moved her chair a little closer to Mrs. Carrington, who was still breathing too quickly.
He sought out the innkeeper to inquire after a midwife in the area.
"Nay, sir. Our little town does na' 'ave a midwife. But me wife, sir, she knows all about the business of babes."
"If it is not too much to ask, might your wife be available to meet with Mrs. Carrington? She seems… uncomfortable." Darcy ears tinged red. "I will pay for a room so they may meet privately."
The innkeeper swept his gaze around the large, busy room. "Aye. She'll take a look at the missus. I will send 'er in soon's I see 'er."
Darcy reversed his steps to the private room. He knocked and entered to find Mrs. Carrington pacing the length of the room, both of her hands on either side of her extended middle. Georgiana was still sitting by the table, her face pale, one hand at her throat.
"Mrs. Carrington." She looked his way but did not cease pacing.
"There is no midwife, but the innkeeper's wife , I am informed, knows a thing or two about the "business of babes'. She will join us here shortly."
She shook her head. "No. No, no, no… This cannot be happening. It was not supposed to be like this." Her voice was rising in pitch, a sob hitching in her throat.
"Madam, we do not know yet, what, if anything is happening. You and the good wife will meet privately and hopefully she will allay your fears."
Mrs. Carrington's breathing was coming in short puffs, which certainly could not be good for her or the babe she carries. As a gentleman he could not stand idly by and not be of assistance, yet the improprieties held him back from offering any further comfort. However, as a man so recently bereft of his own wife and baby daughter, it was impossible to turn his back on her.
He strode over to place himself in her path. "Mrs Carrington, look at me." She was shaking her head.
He took hold of her hands and gripped them tightly. "Look at me."
She raised her face to his and he met her gaze calmly. "You shall be fine. It may or may not be your time, but anything you require, will be made available."
"It is too soon. I am not ready." came out from between her trembling lips.
Darcy had no answer for that, but slowly moved her toward a chair close to Georgiana. "Pray, try and slow your breathing."
Just then a sharp rap sounded on the door and a cheerful, pink cheeked face peered in.
"Mr. Darcy, sir? This be the young missus?
Darcy stood and motioned to the seated women. "This is Mrs. Carrington and my sister Miss Darcy."
"Mrs Carrington, I am Mrs. Hobbs. How near your confinement are you?"
The younger woman blushed and lowered her head. "Too near, but I had no choice. I thought I had enough time to make it back to Longbourn."
"Well, let's get you someplace private like, and see wots wot. Come along, dearie. I birthed dozens of babes all over this area, ain't lost one yet."
Mrs. Carrington stood with the help of Darcy and Mrs. Hobbs walked her slowly to the door. As they left the room, Darcy heard her say again, "It is too soon..."
"This be your first?" Was the older woman's response.
At Mrs. Carrington's nod, she huffed a laugh. "They do tend to come on their own schedule. I imagine your shock an' worry has'na been much help to ya'." Taking in her black gown.
Elizabeth climbed the stairs with Mrs. Hobbs chattering beside her the whole way. "Tell me, dearie, how do you be on the road so close to your time? It wasna' the best choice ya made."
"When I was informed of my husband's death. His pay stopped, though at first things were fine. But as time went by and I could not access his earnings. The money I did have was running out. Eventually I could not pay the rent and there was just enough left for the trip to my remaining family." This speech was truncated by short breaths as pains gripped her middle
As they reached the top landing another sharp pain nearly bent her over.
"Breath through it, dearie. Not much further now." When Elizabeth could stand straight again they took the last steps to enter a small room. It contained a bed and dresser, with a screened off area for necessity. A small table in the corner with a chair completed the furniture.
"Now, if you don' mind dearie. Let's get this dress off ya. You can then lay down on the bed so I can get a feel of the babe."
With Mrs. Hobbs's help Elizabeth removed her clothing till she remained only in her shift. She then tried to sit on the bed, but instinctively she felt more comfortable climbing onto it on all four.
"That be fine. If that feels right you stay like that, I c'n still feel fer the babe's movements.
Minutes passed with the only sounds being Elizabeth's harsher breathing as another pain ripped through her abdomen.
Finally, she lowered herself to the bed to lay on her side.
Mrs. Hobbs pulled the chair over to sit right by the bed and placed her hands back on Elizabeth's bulging middle.
Not a minute later another fierce pain shot through her and Elizabeth moaned. When this one also finished the older woman took Elizabeth's hand, "These pains are close together, but sometimes they do stop. 'Tis the body's way of preparin' for the birth." She squeezed Elizabeth's hands gently, "Tell me dearie, how long have you been gettin' the pains?"
Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes, "I have had then on and off for the past couple of weeks. The midwife from my former place of residence, assured me it was normal. These have been since early this morning." She admitted quietly. "At first, they were not so bad, or so close together."
Mrs. Hobbs breathed in deeply, "Well, dearie, I do believe your babe be wantin' to be born this very day."
Elizabeth began to cry in earnest as another pain seized her. "This cannot be happening. It is unforgivable to put you to so much trouble. How am I to repay you for…
"Breath dearie, tha' be worrries for another day. Right now you jus' concentrate on the pains. An you cry out loud's you please. No one be hearing you up 'ere. I must go down and inform my husband and that nice Mister Darcy. I will be right quick."
"I-I feel… I need to walk."
"Aye, that be good for the birthin'. 'Tis good your body telling you what it needs. Tha's a good sign, dearie.
She helped Elizabeth stand, and then moved quickly to the door. Before she exited - "no one else be up here. I will be back and with another set of helpin' hands."
There you have it. Let me know what you think. Lots of drama to come. Not much violence, mainly intrigue.
So... Yay? Nay?