Chapter 5
Elizabeth was arguing with Mrs. Hobbs early the next morning.
"I must leave. I cannot stay here occupying a room, and my family will be anxious for my return." Elizabeth was trying to rise from the bed, while Mrs. Hobbs was gently pushing her back down.
"Nay, dearie. 'Tis far too soon. I don' hold with layin' about for weeks on end, but a couple o' days more, jest ta make sure ye will no' fall with the fever."
Tears began to leak from Elizabeth's eyes. "What is wrong with me? I am not normally such a watering pot." Allowing the older woman to settle her back in the bed, she lifted her son from where he slept in the center of the mattress and held him close.
Patting the crying woman's shoulder, Mrs. Hobbs reassured her, "All new mamas feel this way. 'Tis the birthin'. It makes ye tired, an' emotional. A rest'll do ye good."
Just then, a knock sounded on the door. "Ah, good, that'll be the new maid, Hannah."
She went to the door and instead of letting anyone in, she stepped into the hallway.
"I jest got the young missus settled. Tsk, she was in a takin'. Insistin' on takin' 'er leave."
This speech was met with cries of alarm from Georgiana, who was one of the party.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hobbs," Darcy rested a calming hand on Georgiana's shoulder. "You asked us to return this morning to introduce Hannah to Mrs. Carrington, as she had been sleeping when we came up yesterday."
Mrs. Hobbs was shaking her head. "I told 'er Hannah was a new maid. With the missus carrying on about bein' a burden, she won' be happy knowin' ye sent for a maid of yer own."
Darcy grimaced. "I abhor disguise, but if saying so eases Mrs. Carrington's recuperation, I will agree to it."
He turned to address the maid, "You will attend Mrs. Carrington and assist with anything she needs. Mrs. Hobbs here," he nodded at the innkeeper's wife, "will explain everything you need to know about the situation. Discretion is no less important here, than it would be at Darcy House."
Hannah curtseyed. "Yes, sir," and she quietly entered the room.
Mrs. Hobbs remained with the Darcy siblings, giving them both a stern look. "I suggest ye find a way ta keep yerselves busy t'day. The missus needs rest and will be gettin' used ta havin' a babe needin' 'er all hours o'the day.
"Do you think I might be able to visit tomorrow?" was Georgiana's hopeful response.
"Aye. If the missus is fever free and rested. It'll be good for 'er spirits ta have some company." Mrs. Hobbs nodded once and turning around, she too entered the quiet room, closing the door behind her.
Darcy looked at his sister with raised brows. "Well, Georgie. We have our marching orders. Shall we see if there are any sights to see in the surrounding area." He held out an elbow for her to take.
Curling her hand around his arm, she gave him a big smile. "Yes, indeed."
The siblings decided to request a packed lunch, and taking out the carriage, they toured the countryside in a leisurely fashion. Not sharing much conversation, when they did speak it tended to be on the subject of Mrs. Carrington and baby Gregory Alexander.
~ / ~
The next morning saw a repeat of Elizabeth's protests. However, this time Hannah called for her young mistress to help.
The maid opened the room's door for Miss Darcy to hear Elizabeth say, "I insist on leaving today. I cannot take advantage of everyone's kindness. 'Tis too much."
"Elizabeth!"
Hearing Georgiana's voice startled her and she ceased her attempts to dress herself.
"Please think of your son. It is too soon to have him out and about and traveling in a carriage. In a post carriage, no less? The very idea!"
Elizabeth glared at Hannah, realizing the maid told her new friend everything. Standing tall she faced the younger woman, "Georgiana, I cannot stay here indefinitely, and my family will be concerned." Elizabeth was blinking, trying desperately hard to keep the tears from falling.
Georgiana edged closer to Elizabeth taking one slow step at a time, until she was directly in front of her. Taking a hand in hers, Georgiana clasped it tightly.
"Elizabeth, it is not indefinitely, it is only for a few more days until you are strong enough to travel. And by allowing us to help you, it contributes to the healing from our own loss. We could not save my brother's wife, but we can be of great help to and to your son." she squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "Pray, let me do this for you. It brings me so much comfort. Together, we will compose a letter to your family and I shall ask my brother to send it express. I am sure it will greatly relieve them to hear from you."
Crying again, Elizabeth could only nod.
Soon, between Hannah and Mrs. Hobbs, Elizabeth was once again changed into a night-rail and tucked into bed.
"Hannah," Georgiana spoke quietly to the Darcy maid. "Will you go and retrieve ink, paper and a pen from Mr. Darcy? As soon as Elizabeth wakes, I wish to be able to offer her the opportunity to write her letter. Oh, and please ask my maid to come up as well."
"Yes, miss." Hannah curtseyed and left on her errand.
Georgiana sat down on a nearby chair and looked to Mrs. Hobbs with raised eyebrows, silently inquiring what next.
"She is very tired," Mrs. Hobbs responded in a whisper. "'Tis normal. A new mama gets little sleep durin' the night, what with feedin' the babe. She should rest, but spendin' time with ye'll be a good tonic, too."
Elizabeth yawned and all the other women laughed softly.
"Elizabeth," Georgiana placed a hand gently on Elizabeth's arm. "Has Gregory Alexander been fed?"
"Yes."
"Good. Then you will rest and I will stay here watching over him. You must sleep.
"No, Georgiaaaah…" Another yawn overtook Elizabeth.
"I insist."
Her eyes were red and blurry and still weeping, she laid her head down on the pillows and was asleep within a few breaths.
"Tsk, I canno' imagine goin' through this withou' some family near. She is very lucky to have ye and yer brother watchin' over 'er."
"She was most fortunate to have you as well, Mrs Hobbs." Georgiana responded earnestly.
The innkeeper's wife seemed pleased with this compliment. "Well, where would the world be if there was never any kindness in it.
Mrs. Hobbs walked over to the door. "Miss Darcy, I do appreciate the extra 'elp your maids 'ave been, to be sure."
"It is our pleasure, Mrs. Hobbs." Georgiana smiled down at the infant cradled in her arms and paid no notice when Mrs. Hobbs exited the room.
~ / ~
Darcy was at odds and ends while his sister spent the majority of her day with Mrs. Carrington and Gregory Alexander.
Darcy filled his day answering correspondence brought to him by his valet. A missive to his uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, was written, informing them of his and Georgiana's delay to town. He did not give the reason, only saying he would send another note when he reached Darcy House.
A long letter was written to his cousin, the Right Honorable Richard Fitzwilliam, Colonel in His Majesty's army. It was full of the details for their delay. No doubt, his cousin would never cease twittering him about this latest 'damsel in distress' occurrence. According to Richard, Darcy has made a habit of saving fair maids.
Darcy threw down the pen he was using and leaned back in his chair. Most of those young women were 'rescued' after his father's godson had done his best to ruin their lives. Finding them good positions, or husbands, depending on their need was the least he could do. His own father had been blind to Wickham's true colors and Darcy had stopped trying to make him see. Choosing instead to clean up after the vicious young man, time and time again, paying his debts and ensuring his by-blows were in good homes.
This rescue felt different. It was truly helping someone, with no connection to him, when they were most in need of it. It even felt different from when he took Anne to Pemberley. That too was to fix a situation created by a close connection. This time it felt… pure.
Darcy huffed out a laugh. Lord, if Richard could see me now. He stood up and walked to stand in front of the window. I am merely bored. I am not used to being so sedentary.
He resolved to inquire if there were horses to let.
~ / ~
Brother and sister met in their rooms later that day. He was more relaxed following a brisk ride, she was a bundle of energy describing every little sound and movement Gregory Alexander made.
"Brother, I have a letter Mrs. Carrington wishes to send to her family." Georgiana added it to the pile of correspondence on the little table.
"Was Mrs. Carrington well enough to sit up and write?"
"No. I insisted she remain in bed. I took her dictation and penned the letter myself."
Darcy was pleased seeing how proud his sister was in caring for the new mother. "I see. Well, I am sure it will ease her family to know she is recovering from her ordeal."
"Indeed." Georgiana's eyes were bright with excitement. "It also eased Elizabeth's mind. She was so distraught this morning. We all attended her throughout the day, and cared for Gregory Alexander. Oh - that is a mouthful. I wonder if Elizabeth would object to Greg, or perhaps Alex?"
"Georgie!" Darcy was smiling. "Come back down to earth and let me care for you."
"Oh, William, I am well."
"Have you eaten at all? I ordered a meal for us and I am sure it will be here shortly."
"Oh. Now that I think about it, I am rather hungry. We had tea and sandwiches earlier, but that was some hours ago."
"Come, my dear. Sit down and rest yourself. I would not have you tire yourself."
"William, I am well. It is wonderful to care for someone, to know I have made a difference in their lives."
He was struck by how similar her sentiments were to his own earlier that day. "I understand, sweetling." She stuck her tongue out at him for using the old pet name and they both grinned.
A knock on the door had Darcy moving to open it. His valet and Georgiana's maid were standing outside with their dinner.
"Rogers, excellent." Darcy stood aside and let their servants in. Within a few minutes the table was set up with their repast and he and Georgiana were alone again.
"Pray, be seated. I hope you will rest for the remainder of today and retire early." Darcy held the chair for his sister and then took his own seat at the table.
"I hope you do not mind, but I wish to stay with Elizabeth again tomorrow. It is beneficial having so many pairs of hands to help her."
Darcy examined his sister, but she held his gaze. "I do not mind, as long as you care for your own well-being, as well. You are to make sure you eat properly and if you need to rest, you will come down to your own room."
"Thank you!" Georgiana clapped her hands rapidly. "As to that, I was thinking Elizabeth and her son should be moved down closer to us. The reason she was placed so far away has passed. And while it's true her son cries, they are soft and do not last very long. She is such an attentive mama. Even from her sleep she hears his cries and wakes immediately." Georgiana leaned closer imploringly at her brother. "If she is closer to us, it will be much easier to come and go, as needed. Why, we might even share an evening meal together!"
Darcy cleared his throat. "Georgiana… Before making plans, it would be best to discuss this with Mrs. Carrington and with Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs. They might object to any changes or they may not fit in with the running of the inn."
Watching his sister's excitement bleed away, he continued, "We will broach the suggestion tomorrow and see what their responses are. For now, I wish to see you eat a hearty meal and I insist you retire, even if you read for a while. I will not have you become unwell over this whole ordeal."
At first crestfallen by her brother's response, she could not help but smile at the love and care he always showed her. "Very well... You really are the best of brothers."