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

Posting this a tad early this week. My schedule is off kilter and I'd rather be early than late :)

Keep in mind Darcy and Elizabeth barely know each other a week. LOL

She gave birth, they stayed a few days at the inn and then the Darcy brought her to Longbourn.

I love all your reviews. Some even help me add little details to the story and it makes it better!

Chapter 12

March, 1814
Gardiner Residence
London

My dear Lizzy,

Goodness, what a trying time you have had. I could scold you for not informing us of your difficulties. I would have come to you, even if it was merely to bring you to Longbourn, or to our home. To pack up, and travel, all alone - and so close to your confinement, too - You silly, headstrong girl. Thank goodness you met with such kind and generous people. The Darcys have long had a reputation for their generosity.

When Jane informed us of your misfortune, her letter was barely recognizable, so miswritten was it. She was quite overcome at learning the details from the hand of a stranger, though they were your words. The poor dear has been beside herself with worry.

There, my chastisements are out of the way. At least, until we meet in person, at which time, I withhold the right to scold you a little more.

From what little details you wrote, it seems as though the birth was relatively easy. That is most fortunate, especially considering the circumstances.

We look forward to seeing you, perhaps for the christening. I will add my voice to yours and hopefully, between the two of us we may finally convince Jane to come to Town.

Affectionately,

M. Gardiner

Longbourn

Elizabeth settled in at Longbourn over the next few weeks. Caring for Alex took up most of her time, as she tried to rest when he did.

Mrs. Hill found everything required for baby Alex. The old Bennet cradle was brought down from the nursery, cleaned and set up in Elizabeth's room. Bedding, linens and baby swaddling and clothes were laundered and aired out from where they had been stored in the attic.

Word spread about Elizabeth's return. The gossip heated up again in Meryton discussing the sad news of her being a new widow, encumbered with a baby. A very few spiteful neighbors raised their brows, intimating there may never have been a marriage, since Elizabeth had not returned to Longbourn for her wedding. However, these comments were whispered and not spread amongst the general gossipers.

Aunt Philips came to meet her great nephew, and Lady Lucas called to greet Elizabeth and to see her son. Lady Lucas and Elizabeth's mother had had an interesting friendship. One comprised of both affection and jealousy. When Charlotte engaged herself to the Longbourn heir mere days after Elizabeth declined his offer, Lady Lucas could not wait to crow over her good fortune. However, when Mrs. Bennet died, Lady Lucas was at Longbourn every day, tears in her eyes and doing anything she could to be of comfort for her dead friend's daughters.

Charlotte and Elizabeth's friendship had been tested not just by the marriage, but by her husband's less than charitable response to the Bennet tragedies. Furthermore, after nearly four years of marriage, Charlotte had yet to fall with child, and tensions were high amongst those family members in regards to producing an heir.

"Lizzy," began Lady Lucas, "He is a beautiful baby. Your mother would be thrilled to know you birthed a son." She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Yes, she would. I can hear her even now, telling anyone who would listen what a fine boy her grandson is."

Lady Lucas handed Alex back to Elizabeth, "How is Charlotte, is she well? I have not heard from her since she wrote her condolences on my husband's death."

"Charlotte is well." She leaned closer, "She is not yet with child, and I understand her husband's so called patroness is most vocal with her opinions on the matter. My girl is frustrated."

"I am sure that cannot be of help to the situation. Perhaps if she and Mr. Collins could get a little time away? The shore can be a relaxing place and it might be beneficial for them." 'Not to mention get them away from the harridan Lady Catherine de Bourgh.' This thought she did not share with Lady Lucas.

That good lady bristled. Still unsure she wished to be joyful for the daughter of her deceased friend or jealous of her good fortune in birthing a son. "It certainly was for you," Lady Lucas responded with a bite in her tone, to which Elizabeth merely raised one eyebrow.

"Lady Lucas, Aunt, let me refresh your tea." Jane jumped up from where she was sitting and began a new topic of conversation about the gossip of Meryton. This kept the ladies entertained until they said their goodbyes and departed.

"Thank you, Jane. Lady Lucas and our aunt mean well, but I acknowledge, being away has lessened my patience for their silliness and petty gripes."

"It is not so bad, Lizzy. In truth, they rarely visit. Lady Lucas only arrived today to see Alex. We have not seen her at Longbourn in many months."

Jane had taken up some needlework and Elizabeth watched her for a while. "Jane."

"Yes, Lizzy?"

"I may need to travel to Town soon. I received a letter from my uncle. He has not been successful sorting out the problems with my settlement. Would you accompany me, if I go?"

Not lifting her eyes from the hand work, Jane replied in a quiet voice, "I do not think so."

"Jane, you cannot hide out here for the rest of your life. You are young, still. You should be out in the world and meeting gentlemen, starting a family of your own."

Jane did not raise her eyes, "Papa needs me here."

"If we go to the Gardiners, Kitty will need to come home in any case. Or, Mary and her husband might come and stay for a visit. We will not leave papa on his own."

When Elizabeth saw her sister would not reply further, she stood up, with Alex in her arms. "At least consider it, Jane. I missed you, and your help would be of great assistance during the journey and our stay in Town."

It was a sly maneuver, but Elizabeth knew Jane. However much she could be stubborn for herself, would not hesitate to lend a helping hand if asked.

~ / ~

London

The Darcy's arrived at their townhouse in London a week later than originally planned and the household was overjoyed to greet them.

"Welcome home, Sir, Miss Darcy."Lewis, the Darcy butler, bowed. A footman and maid stepped forward to take their outerwear. "It is so good to have you back."

"Thank you, Lewis. Anything I should be aware of?" He took his sister's hand and guided her toward the stairs.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam has been in a couple of times. And I understand Lord and Lady Matlock are anticipating your return, sir."

Darcy lips pinched. "Thank you."

Georgiana began climbing the stairs and Darcy turned back to Lewis, "Do not put up the knocker until I say."

"Very good, sir." Lewis bowed again.

Darcy followed Georgiana upstairs knowing baths would already be prepared for them. It will be good to sleep in his own bed again.

The next morning after breaking his fast, he sent a note to the Earl and Countess, Lord and Lady Matlock. Not an hour went by and the earl's cane was knocking on the front door.

Darcy was in his study and Georgiana was practicing the piano, when the butler arrived to inform him of their visitors.

"Lord and Lady Matlock have arrived, sir. I showed them to the blue drawing room."

"Very good. Please have Mrs. Morris send up tea and refreshments."

Darcy exited his study and still hearing the piano he stopped by the music room first. "Georgie, uncle and aunt are here. Will you join us?

She stood, "Yes, of course."

Together they walked to the drawing room and entered moments before the maids arrived with tea.

"Darcy!" "Georgiana!" The exclamations came from both uncle and aunt.

"You both look well. We were concerned for you until you sent word of your delay." Finished Lady Matlock.

Darcy bowed and Georgiana curtseyed. "We are well. Just a little detained on our journey."

Darcy took his aunt's hand and kissed her cheek, then led her to a couch where she took a seat. Patting the cushion next to her she implied Georgiana was to take the place beside her.

"Anything serious?" Lord Matlock frowned as he sat in a nearby chair.

"No, not at all. We came across a widow in distress and in need of assistance." Darcy forewent from sitting; he was too agitated in anticipation of what may prove to be an uncomfortable discussion.

"Are you sure she was not looking to take advantage of you?" His uncle blustered.

"Uncle! No. Indeed, she was not." Cried Georgiana. "Mrs. Carrington was all alone and her pains began." Georgiana squirmed in her seat, blushing, "she had no one to help her."

"Well, most unusual." Lord Matlock cleared his throat.

Lady Matlock raised a hand to her throat, "What was she doing traveling all alone, and so near her confinement?"

Darcy stood looking out the window, with his hands clasped behind his back. "Her husband was a captain in the Royal Navy; he died in a skirmish not long ago. I understand he was highly regarded. She was attempting to travel back to her father's estate before her confinement in April. The woman who assisted her supposed the birth came on early due to stress."

"Hmm… Carrington you say. That should remind me of something…" Lord Matlock's brow was furrowed and his lips pursed.

Darcy would have questioned his uncle further, but his aunt responded before he could.

"It is all finished now. Is that correct, Fitzwilliam?" Lady Matlock spoke over the earl's muttering.

Georgiana was eager to endorse her friend. "I shall be maintaining correspondence with Mrs. Carrington."

Lady Matlock expressed her shock. "You will allow this, Fitzwilliam? Who is this widow to remain in contact with Georgiana Darcy?"

"She is the daughter of a gentleman and Georgie knows her own mind." He turned to face the room and his relations. "In fact, there is the slightest chance I may ask a service of you, uncle. She is being stonewalled for her inheritance. I told Mrs. Carrington I would assist should she require it. There is a chance you may be slightly acquainted with the late husband's family."

"So she says. The name does sound familiar. It is an easy thing to find out." Lord Matlock had a distracted air and waved his hand as though batting away the topic. "Darcy, when will you be returning to attend events?"

"Not until my full year of mourning is complete."

"Fitzwilliam…" Lady Matlock reached out a hand to him. "Anne was never really your wife. Surely there is no need-"

"She was my wife in name and I will show her proper respect." Darcy's voice was firm.

Lord and Lady Matlock exchanged a look. "Perhaps we might discuss this again at a later time. There are a number of events it would be a shame to miss."

"We shall see when I reach my half mourning." Darcy gave a nod of his head. "In the meantime, since we are here now, perhaps we should discuss Georgiana's coming out?"

"Excellent." Lady Matlock looked gleefully ready to plan a siege on Paris.

"Aunt, I am not ready to discuss it at this time." Georgiana sent Darcy an offended look.

"Georgiana, there is no time like the present." He raised his brows at her. The battle was hers to fight, he will have her back as reinforcement.

She straightened. "Very well. I have a specific idea of what I want and am most particular on what I do not want.

The skirmish has commenced.

~ / ~

After an hour of heated conversation, appeals for understanding Society and blustering from the earl, Lord and Lady Matlock departed.

"That went better than I expected." A sigh escaped Darcy as he leaned back to relax in his seat.

"Brother! Are you in earnest? I thought Aunt was going to grab me by my ear and drag me home with her."

"And what would she have done with you there?

"Lock me up and feed me bread and water until I capitulate.

Darcy chuckled loudly. "No, dear sister. I believe you did very well. You may even have earned her respect."

A blush bloomed on Georgiana's cheeks. "That would be a great achievement."

"Indeed, it would." Turning to face her, Darcy met her eye, "I am very proud of you, Georgie."

"Thank you, William. Though I admit, I still feel a bit shaky. Our aunt and uncle are formidable when they want their own way."

"What say you, we step out for a walk in the park? The weather is fine and it is early enough it should not be too crowded."

"Yes. That would be lovely. Let me retrieve my pelise and bonnet."

"I shall meet you at the door.

~ / ~

Later that night Darcy sat in his room nursing a brandy. His valet had been and gone and quietude settled on the house.

He had put a good spin on the scene that morning for Georgiana's sake, but Darcy knew they would need to battle the Matlocks again. Perhaps even several times more. Their uncle and aunt would not go quietly into that good night. Nor lay their lofty plans to rest so easily.

After all, the Darcy's are come to Town and Miss Georgiana Darcy with her thirty thousand pound dowry and connection to the earl of Matlock was a catch worth squabbling over.

Darcy shuddered when he imagined the young men lining up to try and win her regard. Some would be honorable, upright gentlemen. Most, however, would be rakes and fortune hunters, desperate to boost the coffers they depleted by gambling and paying for the upkeep of their lady-birds.

When his thoughts turned to the gimlet eye his uncle gave him, Darcy groaned. He was a widower now, and considered back on the marriage-mart. This time he would be even more of a catch, for Pemberley still required an heir. and with Rosings added to his portfolio, no matter how insolvent it was, he would be a target for any unmarried lady, seventeen years of age and up.

Darcy finished his brandy in one last gulp and rested his head back. Nothing has changed in all the years since he came of age. The game was the same and so were the ladies.

A memory of morning sunlight playing over the blushing cheeks of a smiling young woman drifted through his thoughts. Perhaps he will be fortunate and meet a lady in Town who has similar qualities to that brave, young widow.

A/N- Alas, the pressures of Lord and Lady Matlock and the Darcy's stay in town always seem to brush the subject of the Carringtons along when the issue comes up.

As I noted previously, we have several chapters in which they are separated. And the scenes will go back and forth, but life will not be dull for either.