A/N - Your guesses are amazing! A little more intrigue...
Chapter 19
Elizabeth was in the back parlor with Alex. A small fire was lit as the day was overcast, and she wanted to ensure the room was warm enough for her son. She knew Jane and Aunt Gardiner would welcome her presence, but after the whirlwind past couple of days, Elizabeth needed this quiet time, just the two of them.
For a change, Alex did not fall asleep right after nursing and being cleaned up. She adored watching the little faces he made. The only time he really focused was during feedings and at the sound of her voice.
Alternating between speaking to him and blowing raspberries into his belly, Elizabeth enjoyed the little sounds he made when he got excited.
"You have your father's features, but seem to have my hair. I will have a hard time keeping your curls out of your face when it grows longer. Yes, I will. Bllurrrt…
"Are you smiling at me, mama's darling boy? Bllurrrt…
"What think you, my Alex? Shall our knight, Sir Darcy vanquish the evil overlord? Bllurrrt…
"Shall we throw flower petals and cheer when Sir Knight returns from his conquests? Bllurrrt…"
Elizabeth giggled to see Alex's expression change each time she spoke and tickled his belly.
A cough at the open parlor door drew her attention. When she looked up it was to see a grinning Jane at the door.
"Jane, you startled me."
"I can see that, and when might you expect Sir Darcy to return from his battles?"
"I am sure I do not know, you impertinent Miss. Have you come to join us?" Elizabeth patted the sofa next to her.
"No. I came to inform you of our visitors. I believe Mr. Darcy will be pleased to hear of his new title.
"Thank you, Jane." A flush rose up her neck. "I shall come directly."
Jane nodded and withdrew to return to the drawing room. Elizabeth stood and picked up the blanket Mrs. Barton gifted her before leaving Plymouth. Cradling Alex to her she wrapped the blanket over him and around his back with his dark baby curls peeking out and exited the little parlor to greet the guests.
Darcy was standing looking out the window when Mrs. Carrington entered the room, but at her entrance he turned, and stilled.
Her cheeks were flushed and she had that sweet smile on her face. The one from the day they left the inn to complete her journey to Longbourn. The one he could not forget.
His sister glided across the room to greet Mrs. Carrington, and after a few spoken words they walked over to the bassinet. Darcy watched, fascinated by the young mother's demeanor. It was a look, he imagined, which would not be out of place on the Greek Goddess Rhea; peaceful and nurturing.
No woman of the Ton would care enough to hold her infant child, let alone bring them into company. The children of the first circles were raised by staff and servants; never seen, nor heard. Not a lifestyle he ever desired for his own future family. His fondest memories of childhood were of the times he spent with his mother. Even when she was unwell after Georgie's birth, Lady Anne held her daughter as often as she felt capable, including Darcy in those visits and conversations.
This is what he has been searching for. A woman who puts care and love before societal appearances. His thoughts stuttered to a stop. Desist. I have one mission today. Time enough to ruminate on this later.
Mrs. Carrington had approached him without his notice. "Mr. Darcy," she curtseyed, "may I offer you some refreshments?"
"No. I thank you." He offered her a bow in return. "However, I would be pleased with some minutes of your time, madam."
Her eyes held his for a moment and he could see hope flaring there. With quicker breaths she apprised her aunt of their sitting in the corner chairs.
He waited until Mrs. Carrington took her seat and then sat himself. Leaning slightly forward with his forearms resting on his legs, he pressed the fingers of both hands together.
"I have come directly following a meeting with my uncle, Lord Matlock. In truth, I am amazed he was able to induce results so quickly. I suggest, Mrs. Carrington, for you and your uncle to revisit your husband's attorney at the earliest possible time. I have no doubt Mr. Haversham will be more than happy to begin the process of transferring your inheritance." With the last word spoken a wide grin appeared on his face, taking his attractive mien from merely handsome to breathtaking.
Elizabeth could not comprehend if she was more stunned by his news or by the beautiful man sitting next to her. Her mouth opened, but she could not speak.
"Madam, forgive me but are you well? Might I get you something, some wine perhaps?"
Finally, she found her voice, "I am well. I.. Is it true? Of course it is, you just said it is so, forgive me. And Lord Carrington has so easily backed down?"
"Well, as to that," he looked sheepish. "My uncle also informed me," he hesitated, "Lord Carrington is dead."
"Oh." It was a small sound, but it spoke volumes, and she paled.
Trying to catch his sister's eye across the room, Miss Bennet looked up and he caught hers instead. He mouthed the word wine to her with one hand mimicking bringing a cup to his mouth. With a quick nod and a glance to her sister, Miss Bennet excused herself to retrieve a glass of wine.
"Mrs. Carrington, Miss Bennet will be bringing you wine shortly. I am very pleased for you and master Alex. This is what Captain Carrington would have wanted." Darcy spoke to give her something to focus on, aside from the thoughts which were affecting her.
Elizabeth saw his mouth moving, shaping into words, it was not until she heard her late husband's name, she began to hear his speech as well. "Yes, Gregory would have been pleased our future is now secured. It pains me, though. If Lord Carrington had not died, would he have continued his attempts to seize the inheritance?" Her were flashing with an emotion he had not witnessed from her before.
"Doubt not, madam. This result would always have been the endgame. The law was on your side, and no move had been made to give it away to the earl. However, yes, it might have taken longer." Darcy shrugged, "Lord Carrington had frightened Haversham into a stalemate."
Jane arrived with the wine and placed it in Elizabeth's hand. "Drink a little, Lizzy. You are very pale."
By now Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana were quiet, their attention also drawn to Elizabeth and the corner where she sat. "Lizzy?" Mrs. Gardiner rose and approached her niece. Georgiana followed behind her.
Darcy had stood when Jane joined them. Now he stepped aside to offer his chair to one of the ladies.
Color was returning to Elizabeth's cheeks. "Oh, aunt, Mr. Darcy and his uncle have been so kind. Uncle Gardiner and I can go to Mr. Haversham tomorrow morning and begin the arrangements for our inheritance."
Cries of congratulations and words of thanks bubbled up from the other three ladies. It took several minutes for Mrs. Gardiner to calm and place a hand on Elizabeth's arm. "But what has you so undone, dear. This is good news, is it not?"
"It is wonderful, but I am not undone, I am livid. This fortuitous result only came about so precipitously due in large part to Lord Matlock, but also because Gregory's father, Lord Carrington, is dead." The gasps following her statement did not stop her from continuing, "It infuriates me to think if it were not for his death, he would persist in his avarice to secure Gregory's funds."
A silence punctuated her last statement.
"So what?" Everyone turned to look at Jane. She shrugged, "Lord Carrington is dead, and the struggle is over. Focus on the good, Lizzy."
Elizabeth did not like this further shade of Jane's altered character, but allowed herself to be appeased. She stood and faced Mr. Darcy. "Sir, I would be most grateful if you gave Lord Matlock my deepest appreciation for assisting in this matter."
"I will, Mrs. Carrington, I assure you he was happy to oblige the widow of a Royal Navy hero." His smile was soft, "As was I." He cleared his throat, "Georgiana, I am afraid we must take our leave. It is getting late."
"You are welcome to stay and join our meal, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Gardiner was quick to offer the invitation.
"You are very kind, madam, but we have obligations which cannot be put off."
During the minutes it took to accompany the guests to the door and a footman retrieve their outerwear, Elizabeth had time to raise a concern. "Mr. Darcy, we adore having Georgiana here, and you, of course. But I am in mourning and I would not want gossip to spread regarding her frequent visits to a widow still in her full mourning."
So caring. Darcy's eyes were soft looking down at the lady beside him. I dare Lord Matlock to find a woman worthier than this bundle of contradictions; livid in righteous anger one moment, kind and thoughtful the next.
"I assure you, it is of no concern to me. After all, there is another young lady here, not in mourning." His mouth quirked up on one side and he bowed to her before escorting Georgiana out the door.
Elizabeth watched him leave a pink tint coloring her cheeks.
~ / ~
All three ladies returned to the drawing room and Elizabeth rushed over to the bassinet to check on Alex, who was still sleeping. She then flopped down onto the sofa in a most unladylike fashion.
Mrs. Gardiner was the first to speak. "Lizzy. I am so happy for you. Now you can begin making plans for your future."
"Indeed. I admit to still being overwhelmed, even though this was the very reason we came to Town."
"Lizzy, Georgiana wanted me to let you know she will visit soon. I invited her for tea, but also to accompany me to the park when I take the children."
Elizabeth smiled at her favorite sister. "That is wonderful, Jane. Perhaps when you go you might discuss attending the museum or an interesting lecture." Or maybe an assembly or a ball. Now this worry is behind us, we must get Jane introduced into some society even if it is not the higher spheres.
"Your uncle will be quite pleased with this turn of events. I know it weighed on him when he could not do more in the effort to release your funds. I should like to invite the Darcys to dinner, this time more formally. Do you suppose Mr. Darcy would mind? He too, is still in full mourning."
"We can ask Georgiana when she comes to visit." Jane had picked up her sewing basket and was working on her current project.
"Pray, do so, Jane. I know your uncle is going to want to thank Mr. Darcy in person."
All three fell silent, then a huff of air was heard, added to it came a squeak and more huffs of air. Elizabeth tried very hard but the giggles she had desperately tried hard to contain rose in her throat and erupted. Soon all three were laughing uproariously clutching their sides, or bent over their laps.
Eventually the hysterical laughter slowed and stopped. Only then did Jane and Mrs. Gardiner notice Elizabeth's laughter had morphed into tears. They comforted her as well as they could until she and Alex were helped upstairs, so they could rest until dinner.
~ / ~
Darcy and Georgiana's carriage ride back to Darcy House was a quiet one, until they had nearly reached their destination.
"Was she correct?"
"Pardon?"
"Elizabeth. Was she correct?" Seeing her brother was not following her train of thought, Georgiana elucidated. "Lord Carrington would have kept trying to seize their funds?"
"It is impossible to say. The point is moot as the Lord is dead. I can reassure you, however, Lord Matlock would not have allowed the inheritance to be stolen away from Mrs. Carrington and young master Alex." His tone was confident.
"Sometimes, I suppose, it does help to have friends in high places."
"Indeed."
~ / ~
The next morning over breakfast Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth discussed their intention to visit Mr. Haversham directly following the meal.
A little sound from Mrs. Gardiner drew their attention. She tsked, "A note from Mary in response to my invitation for tea or dinner. She declined saying she did not think it appropriate to eat at a home where someone is in full mourning." with a sigh she lay the letter on the table.
"Aunt, I am more than happy taking a tray, so they might visit."
"Nonsense, Lizzy. We are family. These strictures should not apply. This is all Mary; her husband is far too nice to be so strict."
"Perhaps they will come when I enter half mourning. It is well, aunt. Besides, Georgiana is keeping us busy all by herself."
"I received a letter from Kitty, too. Let us see how she is getting on."
Dear Aunt Gardiner,
And Jane and Lizzy, as I am sure you will all be sharing this letter.
We at Longbourn are quiet, but it does not follow that we are not busy. Mrs. Hill is still instructing me, but I have reached a state of comfort enough to visit the tenants on my own. And by that, I mean I am driven in the little pony cart. Papa rearranged one of our maid's duties and allotted her the task of driving it and accompanying me wherever I go. Even if it is just down the lane to Lucas Lodge. I cannot say if I am frustrated by the lack of trust or happy to feel so cared for. Probably a bit of both.
He says, with my being the only female in the house, there was no need to keep her as she was. Fret not, for I understand she is being properly compensated for her new duties.
If I am mentioning Lucas Lodge, I should tell you we were invited to dinner and Papa agreed! I was happy to be with Mariah, but seeing Papa with Sir William, how relaxed and talkative they were together, brought tears to my eyes. I had to claim some smoke from the candles got in it, which vexed Lady Lucas greatly. I did not mind, it was better than bringing attention to Papa's behavior.
Since writing the above, some news of the most alarming nature has made its way to Longbourn. One of the servants returned from an errand in Meryton and informed Mrs. Hill about two strange men in the village. No one recognized them, but the gossip is they are asking about Lizzy. Or rather they are asking about Mrs. Carrington and her child! Say what you will of Meryton, but this time they did not disappoint us. Apparently, no one agreed to say a word to these men. Only that she returned for a month after her husband's death and is now in London.
If they should return, I will let you know immediately.
All my love,
Kitty
Mrs. Gardiner set the letter down on the table and leaned back in her chair. "Well… This is unexpected."
"Who are they, what can they want with me and Alex?"
Mr. Gardiner was rubbing a hand over his forehead. "Let us deal with one task at a time. Lizzy, we shall visit Mr. Haversham at his office this morning and make sure you receive your inheritance."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Maddie, you and I will inform all the maids and footmen here, and the clerks at the office and warehouse to be on their guard. No gossip under any circumstances is to be spoken. Not even amongst themselves on the street."
Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her husband. "Yes, dear. I will speak to the staff here after you and Lizzy depart."
"Very good."
"What about Miss Darcy?" Elizabeth turned her head, looking between her uncle and aunt.
"What about her? They were not inquiring into Miss Darcy."
"Should we not inform her or Mr. Darcy about this? He may wish to keep her from visiting. At least until we have a better idea of the situation."
"Lizzy, we know of no danger, only of two men looking for gossip. They might even have been sent from Mr. Haversham's office. We will inquire when we meet with him."
Elizabeth looked unconvinced, but held her tongue. For now.
~ / ~
April, 1814
Gardiner Residence
Gracechurch Street
Dear Papa,
We are all well in Gracechurch Street. Alex seems to be growing day by day. However did you and Mama get anything accomplished once us babies were born? It seems near impossible to put him down. Especially now as he is changing so fast. You will a recent sketch of him enclosed. He is such a dear boy, I had to share it with you.
I am pleased to inform you we have finally been successful in retrieving Gregory's inheritance. Mr. Darcy was of monumental import in this endeavor. He assured us there were no more impediments and the lawyer was prepared to finally do his duty. My uncle and I visited the offices again yesterday morning and we were greeted like reigning peers. Nothing could be done for us, but was done immediately. Such a far cry from being denied access just a few days ago. Many papers were signed and at the conclusion the transfer would be made.
I am going to request the assistance of my uncle and aunt to work out a budget. I feel it is important for me to know what my income per anum shall be, as well as put aside a sum which can grow for Alex's future.
This will not come as a surprise to you, papa, but it is now certain we shall not return to live at Longbourn or Meryton. I have not had an opportunity to speak with Jane, but I shall do everything in my power to inspire her to reach for her felicity with both hands.
Pray, say you will come and visit us wherever we settle. It will bring me great joy for you to see your grandson again.
All my love,
Lizzy
A/N - Bluurrrt is a raspberry blown into Alex's tummy, think of it as a sound effect. I am open to a better way of typing it... LOL
Alex is not yet 2 months old. He was christened at a little over 1 month and then immediately traveled to London.
They've been about 2 weeks at the Gardiners now.