A/N - I know FF has been glitchy lately, especially the app. It does sort itself out eventually, so patience is the name of the game, I guess?
Chapter 11
Startled expressions and sounds of disbelief met her statement.
"When Gregory married me, his father made it quite clear his opinion of me and my background. My husband only later confided to me about ongoing negotiations the earl had been brokering, for a marriage deal between Gregory and the daughter of one of his political cronies. I was never privy to the specific details, but my husband made it clear all ties with his family were cut.
"Gregory was his own man." She looked down at her son. "I hope my boy will be as courageous and honorable as his father. When the notification of his death reached me, I sent a message to his family out of respect. I never received a reply. 'Tis just as well. I fear the earl might try and take my baby away, especially now that I have given birth to a son. At the time of our wedding the viscount and his wife had two children. Both were daughters."
"Was there…", Darcy coughed, "I apologize for the unseemly question. But did your husband have any funds from prize money?"
"Yes." Elizabeth leaned forward in her seat. "and I know he made arrangements for me in his will, but my access to them has been thwarted. I contacted my husband's lawyer, but no response came from him either. I am hoping my uncle can be of assistance in this matter, but so far he has had no success releasing the funds. We had the idea I should travel to Town in preparation of my confinement, at which time I could present myself to the attorney and make him do his duty." She shrugged one shoulder, "In the end my uncle did not believe it would help. You know how little attention is given to women when it comes to these matters. A man must speak for her."
"Can your father not speak for you?" Darcy's brow was furrowed. It was inconceivable to him for a father to not do all he could to protect his family.
"My father…" she lowered her eyes. "My uncle is in town. It was more convenient." She bit her lip. "The one bit of information he was able to discern led us to believe Lord Carrington was attempting to lay claim to the funds, now that Gregory is dead. He has not yet been successful, I comprehend."
"I should say not. It is not so easy to circumvent a legal will." His nostrils flared in disdain. "I should be more than happy to be of assistance, if you find it is required." Everything about his demeanor conveyed earnest sincerity.
"You have done so much for me already; I would dislike importuning you any further. I trust my uncle will be able to settle everything for us."
Georgiana had been quiet though the length of their conversation, but seeing her friend had become distraught, she wanted to give her time to recover. In addition, Georgiana was desirous for her brother to get to know the Elizabeth she had come to know. "Brother, I had begun to describe the Pemberley library to Elizabeth. I believe she was distracted at the time." She smirked at her friend recalling how out of sorts Elizabeth had been, "Do tell her all about it."
"Do you enjoy reading, Mrs. Carrington?"
Thus, continued their travels discussing books at length, and plays they had seen in London. These discussions were interspersed with stops to refresh themselves, and changing Alex more than once.
Darcy did need to change places with the maids riding in his second equipage. Elizabeth was too busy with Alex to do more than raise one brow and smirk at Hannah when she entered the carriage. When Georgiana saw Elizabeth's eyes getting heavy, she offered to hold the baby and let the young mother get some rest.
Seats were switched around again at the stop before their journeys would separate. The servants were to continue to London, while the carriage carrying Darcy, Georgiana and the Carringtons were for Longbourn.
Finally, the coach turned off the main road toward Meryton. Elizabeth grew excited as she could see more signs indicating they were getting closer to Meryton. The Darcy's fine carriage drew the eye of everyone it passed and heads turned watching it go by.
"We are nearly there. It is not much further now. Longbourn is only one mile from Meryton."
"It is a pleasant looking county. We have traveled through on our journeys, but never had reason to stop here before." Darcy was peering out the window to view the verdant countryside the carriage was traveling through.
Georgiana reached over to press Elizabeth's hand firmly. "You will write to me, will you not?"
"Of course." Elizabeth smiled, "You are fortunate I brushed up on my drawing, as I intend to send you sketches of Alex as he grows. I had a little knack for it in the past, but have taken up a pencil these last few months and have improved… mmm… somewhat."
"I should like that very much." Georgiana rested her gaze on Alex. "He is quite precious. I shall miss him."
"We shall both miss you." Elizabeth again kissed the top of Alex's head.
Darcy cleared his throat. Moved at the pretty picture Mrs. Carrington made. Even in her ill-fitting dress, she glowed in her motherhood. "Good. Then you will be able to send word to Georgiana if you require assistance releasing your funds. I insist upon it."
"Very well, Mr. Darcy. I give you my word." They shared a small smile before looking away.
The carriage turned into the Longbourn drive, and Elizabeth saw the front door open and Jane, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Hill emerged from the house and stepped out onto the portico. As soon as Jane caught sight of Elizabeth through the carriage window, she started waving her handkerchief in between using it to dry her tears.
The coach came to a standstill and a footman lowered the step. Darcy exited the coach and handed out Georgiana, who took Alex from Elizabeth before she too, was assisted down by Darcy. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Jane enveloped her in a tight hug.
"Lizzy! We have been so worried."
Mr. Bennet kissed Elizabeth on the head, "My dear girl."
This tableau might have extended to many minutes, but Elizabeth heard Darcy clear his throat and ask for an introduction bringing her back to herself. She extricated herself from Jane's embrace and took Alex from Georgiana.
"Sir, this is my father, Mr. Thomas Bennet, and my sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Papa, Jane, this is Mr. Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy. They have been most kind to me, practically my saviors."
The gentlemen bowed and the ladies curtseyed, and Elizabeth concluded, "And this little one is my son, Gregory Alexander Carrington."
"Oh Lizzy, he is beautiful. May I take him?" Not waiting for a response, Jane plucked him from her arms and invited Miss Darcy into the house with her.
Elizabeth watched Darcy to witness his reaction to her sister. She was older now, and considered on the shelf at six and twenty, but she was still a beautiful woman. Yet he did not give her a second glance. Why this should be important to her, she could not say.
Bennet had not yet moved. "Sir, you have my heartfelt gratitude for all your kind attention to my daughter. I cannot express how much your letters eased our concerns for our Lizzy."
"Papa, why do we not join Jane and Miss Darcy inside. I am sure Mrs. Hill will have refreshments ready for us." Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Darcy, "You will stay for tea before you continue on your journey?"
"Thank you, we shall stop for a short while." He followed Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth in, and an older servant divested him of his hat and greatcoat.
Elizabeth removed her bonnet, taking in her childhood home. She could remember a time when the house clambered with noise, giggles, squabbling and running feet. Now, it was as still as a tomb.
She watched the gentlemen enter the parlor and turned to Mrs. Hill, who had stayed near her. "Mrs. Hill."
"Miss Lizzy. Forgive me, Mrs. Lizzy." The two women shared a smile and a hug. "I am glad you are well. We were very worried for you."
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "Thank you, Mrs. Hill. How has… How are my father and sister?" Her brows rose in inquiry at the faithful servant.
"They are getting along, Mrs. Lizzy. It's been quiet here, especially with Miss Kitty with the Gardiners. Now, go on in. Miss Jane has been anticipating your arrival all day."
"Has she?"
"Aye, that kind Mr. Darcy sent an express informing us you'd be arriving today. Tea will be brought in shortly."
Elizabeth only nodded and entered the parlor. Jane was seated holding Alex, with Georgiana beside her. Her father was standing next to Darcy and the two men were a visual contrast. One, was tall, dark haired and in the prime and health of his life. The other was hoary and stooped by age, sorrow and disappointment. Elizabeth barely recognized him as her father.
"Elizabeth, come and sit, you must be so tired." Jane stood, handing Alex to Elizabeth. The tea was brought in and Jane prepared cups for everyone according to their preferences.
"No sugar for me, Jane. I became accustomed to drinking without."
"Nonsense, Lizzy, you shall simply get accustomed to having sweet tea again."
"Just a small amount then, Jane, thank you."
After a short visit where tea was consumed, and everyone admired baby Alex, Darcy stood up. "Pray, excuse us, but we must be on our way. Georgiana?"
"Yes, brother." She rose after one last kiss on Alex's hand.
"Of course." Mr. Bennet held out his hand for Darcy to shake. "Please accept our thanks again. Words cannot express my gratitude for your safeguarding my family."
Georgiana chattered all the way out to the carriage. "Elizabeth, I will write to you soon. I will miss you and dear Alex so much. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything, and if you should come to town, I insist you let me know where you will be staying so I might visit."
Elizabeth laughed at her young friend, "I assure you, Georgiana, I will write often."
Darcy handed his sister into their conveyance and with a final bow to the Bennets and Mrs. Carrington, he joined her.
Elizabeth waved them off, watching the carriage until it disappeared. She turned and slowly walked to the house to join Jane and her father. She needed to get herself and Alex settled.
"Well, Lizzy, you gave us a shock and something to entertain the neighborhood with to be sure. Returning in such a fine carriage, it will be most talked of in Meryton."
"Papa, I was so fortunate to be the recipient of their condescension."
"You were, indeed. Imagine if your mama were here." His voice took on a whispered, high pitch tone, "What a fine gentleman, how handsome and so rich." Mr. Bennet sighed and stared off into the distance.
Attempting to distract him, Elizabeth inquired, "How are Kitty and Mary?" She sent him a bright smile.
"They are well. We received a letter yesterday from Mary. She and her husband are doing well. Henry is busy with his flock."
Jane took his arm, patting it. "Papa, you know Mary sounded very well in her letter. I do believe marriage to a pastor agrees with her. Being needed has helped her come into her own."
Alex began to fuss. "Pardon me, Papa, I should get us settled."
"Lizzy," Jane pulled her father along and walked him back inside. "We prepared your old room. Will that do?"
"That should be fine. Papa, if his cries disturb you in the night, we can move to the nursery."
"No, no, all will be well. It will be nice to have a little noise around here again. It has been far too quiet... Far too quiet…" He repeated as he slowly made his way down the hall to his book room.
"Jane, papa looks…"
"He is well, just melancholy. I fear the guilt still weighs him down." Jane hurried her sister along, as though she did not wish to continue with that discussion. "Come, Lizzy. Let us get you set up so Alex can be comfortable."
"Oh, Jane, now you sound like Georgiana." The women climbed the stairs to the second landing. Upon reaching her old room Elizabeth stood at the threshold looking around. "It seems impossible to believe I am back at Longbourn."
Jane reached out to gently hold one of Alex's hands, with her other she clasped her sister's. "Lizzy, I am so sorry about Gregory. Will you despise me if I admit to being very happy you are here now?"
"Jane, I could never despise you. The circumstances are difficult, but I am pleased to be in your company again."
Elizabeth's trunk was already in her room and she and Jane made quick work of unpacking her possessions.
"Lizzy, this is beautiful." Jane was holding up the baby blanket admiring the pretty item.
"It was a gift from a neighbor, for my baby." Elizabeth walked over to the window and stared out at the familiar countryside. "A parting gift, as it turns out." She spoke quietly to the window.
November, 1813
Plymouth
Elizabeth felt the quickening. 'I am to be a mother. I must write to Jane and my aunt Gardiner. I know they will be happy for me. I do hope they will not worry, or pressure me to return to Town or Longbourn. Plymouth is not the most convivial place I have ever been and I dearly miss walking out over green hills. But I made my choice and this is my place now.'
Elizabeth placed a hand on her abdomen and tears flooded her eyes.
'A baby. How happy Gregory will be. Oh, I do wish I could tell him now. I must write to him first and pray it reaches him as swiftly as possible.'
A knock sounded and Elizabeth heard her maid of all work greet the visitor. From the sound of it, it seems her neighbor has come to call and Elizabeth smiled softly. Mrs. Marianne Barton seems to have made a little project of the new young wife. Ensuring she was not too lonely and learned her way around the neighborhood and shops.
Molly entered and curtseyed. "If you please, ma'am, Mrs. Barton has come."
"Thank you, Molly. Please arrange for tea." She smiled and greeted the older woman, who bustled in energetically.
"I cannot stay long, Mrs. Carrington. There is simply so much to get done today. But I had to stop and see how you are getting on."
I am well, Mrs. Barton. It is a delight to see you this fine day. Perhaps I might walk out and accompany you a little bit of your way. I would appreciate a little exercise."
The older woman stopped and turned a sharp stare on the younger. "Are you well?"
"I am. I…" Elizabeth bit her lower lip. "I am with child. I felt the quickening this very day." And she promptly burst into tears.
"Oh, you poor dear. Come now, there is no need to take on so." Mrs. Barton folded her arms around Elizabeth in a warm embrace and waited until the crying slowed.
"This is a beautiful thing. You and your husband are beginning your family."
Elizabeth nodded, drying her eyes with her handkerchief. "I wanted to tell someone so much and Gregory will not know for ages."
"Hush, child. This is the way of Naval life. You will write and he will learn of it as soon as your letter reaches him. Now, cease this upset, it is not good for you or the baby."
Molly entered with tea and both women sat in quiet contemplation as they drank the warm beverage.
"I will knit you a blanket for the babe. It will be the first gift. Everything will be quite well, and you and your husband will be blessed with many children."
Elizabeth blinked away her tears and with effort managed a bright smile as she turned around to face Jane, determined to shut away the memories.
"Well, Jane. It is your turn to tell me how you and papa have kept yourselves busy this winter."
A-N: I hope you enjoyed! I love all your wonderful reviews. A few things have been pointed out to me that I will have to go back and edit. So if at any time you see an older chapter reposted, its because of small fixes.
I LOVE your reviews and feedback, so keep 'em coming ;)
The next several chapters will bounce back and forth between London and Longbourn, as Elizabeth and the Darcys try to get situated in a place they don't feel comfortable.