A/N - Feb. 24, 2025 small edits.

Read chapter 3, this chapter is the 2nd posted today - you are welcome ;)

Edited to add the detail of Georgiana's error in judgement was in 1810, one year earlier than in canon. she is only 4 years younger than Elizabeth, not 5.
Giving Nkclark their 'due'. Thanks, that's been edited too...

Chapter 4

Dawn was just breaking and Darcy sat forward in his chair, scrubbing his hair back with both hands. Georgiana was still asleep, curled up in a chair by the fireplace with a blanket draped over her.

Darcy quietly stepped out of the parlor to catch the attention of a passing servant to request coffee and to find out how Mrs. Carrington was fairing.

He paced the floor while waiting to hear any news. Darcy practically leapt toward the door, when he heard a knock.

The maid informed him briefly that all was quiet above stairs. A boy was born a few hours ago. Both he and the mother are doing well.

Darcy heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the maid, before closing the door. He stood there a moment unmoving while tears flooded his eyes. He only now realized how tremendously apprehensive he had been. Concern for the young mother's situation struck a chord too close to his own recent experiences.

Mrs Carrington's survival had become important to him. Her and the babe's. A male child. He sent up a prayer for the boy's father. Hoping perhaps for grace to be showered down from on high for the broken family, from the deceased captain.

It had been a long night for the bereaved woman, and Darcy whispered a second prayer of gratitude for mother and baby's safe deliverance.

Darcy stepped over to look out the window, watching the gray light outside slowly brighten as the sun rose. He was a man used to caring for others and had done so for the whole of his adult life. Ever since his father perished suddenly only a few months past his majority.

With his father's death, Darcy tumbled into the abyss of mourning, burdened with the management of his family estate, and raising his much younger sister. It had been his whole world for nearly nine years. Aside from the time he and Georgiana traveled. That had been a freeing experience, even with being his sister's chaperone.

Until then, his had been a life of duty. Duty to his estate, family and to society. His Fitzwilliam family had pressured him to find a wife, which really meant the right and proper kind of wife from the Ton. A young lady, connected and with a respectable dowry, who will be able to assist in Georgiana's come-out and provide the required Darcy heir.

Before Darcy could begin a wife search,Georgiana, not yet sixteen, nearly made a mistake of epic proportions in the summer of the year ten. Unfortunately, it had the added effect of destroying her self esteem. So, he set things in order at Pemberley, gave his investments temporarily over to his man of business, with the instructions to put everything on hold as it was. Then he and Georgiana set out on a journey to find themselves.

Under the guise of visiting the Darcy satellite estates in Scotland, and Ireland, they took a long trip, going where and when they pleased.

A significant amount of time was spent at each estate, but in between, brother and sister toured the sights, be they nature or historic. Randomly stopping at villages, towns or cities, to shop, meander or simply sit and enjoy the peace and beauty together.

It took time, but his sister overcame her fears and shame and they grew closer. Shifting from a father-daughter dynamic to a brother-sister one. He was quite proud of how assured and gracious she now was. Like himself, his sister would never be gregarious, but her shy and quiet demeanor reflected inner steel. She will never again be taken in by rakes or fortune hunters.

Both had required all their strength and resolve to deal with the shocking situation they found at Rosings. He could not help but reflect on what occurred following their return to England.

April, 1812
Rosings

"I must get away, Fitzwilliam, or I will surely die." Anne, pale and terrified, begged for his help.

Unnerved at how poorly and weak Anne looked, Darcy was adamant to receive Lady Catherine's permission for Anne to visit Pemberley as Georgiana guest, but she would not release her daughter to Darcy unless it was under contract of marriage. His blood still boiled whenever he recalled the tumultuous conversation with his aunt.

"I need an heir. Your daughter will perish in the attempt of it."

The gleam in her eye was cruelty itself. Her only concern was avariciousness in its purest form.

His decision was quick, after confiding in his sister an announcement was made, and they were married by special license. All the better to remove Anne as soon as possible.

Lady Catherine was blindsided by the impact her daughter's marriage would have in regards to Rosings. Anne was of age and required no consent. Furthermore, legally she was the true mistress. So Darcy made an ironclad settlement which tied up all monies and control of Rosings in such a way, that to all extent and purposes, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was a veritable pauper. It was Anne's signature on the settlement and she approved of every decision.

"I trust you, Fitzwilliam, to care for the tenants and bring Rosings back to the estate it once was."

"And if I should decide to sell it?"

"I would prefer you keep it for a second son."

"Anne…"

"You are young, Fitzwilliam. When my time comes you will remarry and have the family I know you desire."

"Anne, we are doing this so you will live."

"I believe, cousin, I will not live many more years, but now I know they will be peaceful ones. My mother deserves no such peace, let her know what her behavior has wrought, and if she should think we may sell Rosings out from under her…?" Anne shrugged her shoulders and did not continue.

The only control remaining to Lady de Bourgh was the time she awoke in the morning and what time she decided to retire to bed. Any servant found doing as she commanded and not as his newly appointed steward and overseer instructed, would be let go immediately, and without reference.

Not even the meal planning was under her preview. The estate was faltering financially and he would see it brought back to its former glory. Prudence would govern Rosings expenditures for many years to come.

In the meantime, they would have nothing to do with her. Barring the five hundred pounds per annum allowance which was her due, she would receive nothing else from him, Anne, or either of their estates. She was free to leave Rosings and go someplace else, but it would be at her expense and nowhere near any Darcy.

Now, Anne was dead, and having finished his half mourning they were traveling from Derbyshire to town.

Darcy was impressed with Georgiana's concern and actions for a stranger. It shows how far she has matured and grown in confidence over the past several years. These qualities will stand her in good stead when she marries and becomes the mistress of an estate, responsible for those tenants and dependents.

Hearing his sister begin to stir, he opened the door and requested an additional tea, toast and jam, when he caught the attention of another servant, to be brought together with his coffee.

Closing the door, he turned to his sister's question.

"Well?"

"A boy. Both mother and child are well, I was informed."

A beatific smile grew in her face. "Do you think Mrs. Carrington will let me visit?"

"I know not, but we can inquire after we all have had sufficient rest. Now, I suggest after we have had tea and something to eat, we go to our rooms to refresh ourselves and rest a little more. When we wake, we shall see if Mrs Carrington is accepting callers."

~ / ~

Mrs. Carrington was mesmerized, staring at her son. In the early afternoon, a knock sounded on the door to her chamber. Indicating her consent, Sally, the maid currently attending her, opened the door to see who was there.

"May I come in and visit?" Miss Darcy's soft voice wafted into the room.

"Of course, Miss Darcy. I am pleased to see you are still here." Mrs. Carrington smiled at her tiredly. "Come closer, we do not bite."

Miss Darcy hesitantly crossed the room to sit in a chair positioned by the bed. She had a shy smile on her face, but was enthralled by the little bundle in Mrs. Carrington arms.

Mrs. Carrington was dressed in a modest nightgown, her hair was pulled back in a braid, and a light sheet was over her legs. The bundle in her arms squeaked and squirmed and she pulled the bunting to the side so Miss Darcy could see his face.

Miss Darcy inhaled, "He is beautiful!" She exclaimed in a whisper. "How are you feeling?"

Mrs. Carrington gave her a small smile. "There is a list."

"Pardon?"

"Tired, relieved, sore, embarrassed, happy, sad and grateful, oh, and exhausted. I am sure I could think of more given more time."

The younger woman giggled. "That is indeed quite a list. But why do you feel embarrassed?"

"I have put these good people, and your brother, unless I am very much mistaken, to great trouble and expense, I am sure."

A flush rose from her neck to cover her face and the new mother continued in a quiet tone. "I know not how I shall repay you, but I will."

"Pray, do not speak so. We do not require it and I am sure my brother will not even hear of it. He would only say," Georgiana deepened her voice, "I would hope some kind stranger might care for my sister in the same manner, should she find herself in any trouble. And - as a gentleman it is the least I could do…"

Mrs. Carrington watched her with humor in her eyes.

"I jest, but I assure you it is also the truth." Miss Darcy concluded.

"Well, since you are here, in what essentially is my bedroom, shall you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, if you prefer?"

The younger woman nodded eagerly, "And you may call me Georgiana."

Moving so she could run one finger gently down the baby's downy cheek she asked, "Have you named him?"

Elizabeth gazed down on her son with moist eyes, "His father's name was Gregory. His name shall now be their only connection." Repositioning her newborn, she blinked away the tears, then looked at Georgiana. "What is your brother's name?"

"Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. "It is a mouthful."

"The Fitzwilliam's have a tradition of naming first born sons with the mother's family name. I call my brother William or Will."

Elizabeth shuddered. It was too similar to an unpleasant distant cousin of the Bennet family. "Does he have a middle name?"

"Alexander."

"Hmm… Gregory Alexander. It sounds quite well. Do you think your brother will mind? I like the idea of a reminder of the first person in this world who showed him such goodness."

"I think my brother will be proud."

Both women smiled down on the babe as he moved again and resettled.

"Would you like to hold Gregory Alexander?"

"Oh," Georgiana looked shocked. "I am not sure."

"It is well. He will not break. And he is freshly changed." Elizabeth moved towards Georgiana "Support his head… Both hands… There you go."

Georgiana was marveling at the tiny human in her arms. "I do not think I have ever held an infant before."

"Have you no other siblings or cousins married with children?"

"I have no other siblings aside from my brother, and to my aunt's regret her sons have yet to provide her with grandchildren. The eldest has been married a couple of years, but they have not yet been blessed with children. My other cousin, who is my second guardian as well, is in the regulars. He is not yet married." Georgiana could not remove her eyes from the bundle she held.

Elizabeth reached out to place a finger under her son's hand. "I was fortunate to be close with my aunt and uncle, and spent much time with them and with my young cousins. Of my three sisters, one is lately married. My son is the first of the next generation." She stifled a yawn. "Oh, I do beg your pardon."

"No. Pray, forgive me. I should let you rest." Georgiana handed Gregory Alexander back to Elizabeth.

"I shall try to. When do you and Mr. Darcy plan on leaving?"

"Our plans are not fixed." Georgiana would not meet her eye.

Elizabeth did not notice as she was situating herself and her son for sleep.

"Rest well, Elizabeth." Georgiana smiled at the maid and moved to the door. Opening it as quietly as she could, she exited and closed the door behind her.

When she turned, she gasped. Darcy was waiting for her in the hall.

"Brother! You did not need to wait here for me."

"Until your maid arrives, I do not want you to walk through the corridors alone. I did not mind waiting to assure your safety."

"I understand. Thank you, Will."

"Does Mrs. Carrington require anything?"

"At the moment, I believe she mostly requires rest." She aimed a mischievous grin at him. "Elizabeth named him Gregory Alexander, for the babe's father and... for you."

"Indeed?"

"She was touched by your kindness and said she wanted her son to have a reminder of the best man I know."

Darcy felt heat rise up his neck and cheeks, but only said, "Elizabeth, is it?"

Georgiana beamed at him. "I got to hold him. He is so dear and tiny. It is such a miracle, brother."

Together, the siblings descended the stairs to enter the same private parlor.

"Have you rested enough, Georgiana?"

"I have. I would, however, appreciate a walk in the fresh air."

"An excellent idea, my dear. A stroll outside would indeed be refreshing."

Collecting their outer garments the Darcy's exited the inn to walk up and down the street, occasionally glancing into the few store fronts peppering the little town.

The sight of one of the smaller Darcy carriages slowing to turn in at the inn had them retracing their steps.

Darcy's valet was helping Georgiana's maid and another Darcy maid from the carriage as the Darcys arrived back at the inn.

"Sir, we rushed to join you as soon as we got your express."

"Very good, Rogers. And I see you brought Hannah, as well. A fine choice."

"Yes, sir."

"Excellent!" Darcy clapped his hands together. "Hannah will attend Mrs. Carrington. I am sure it will be a relief to Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs to have another pair of hands."

"Mrs. Carrington, sir?"

"A young widow in need of assistance. She gave birth here last night and Georgiana was concerned for her well-being. Come!"

As Darcy turned to stride in the direction of the inn, he missed his valet's eyebrows rise in astonishment.

Have a happy and safe new years! See you next friday...