Chapter 10

10

I f Elizabeth thought Darcy House was grand on the outside, the inside of her chambers took her breath away. The brilliant colors reminded her of spring flowers and sunshine. Whoever decorated the rooms had a sincere appreciation for the natural world.

Molly said, “The door closest to the window on the right is to your dressing room, where I will hang your clothing once it arrives and where a bath is currently being prepared. The door closest to the main corridor leads to the new nursery. Mr. Darcy directed that two beds be brought in since Mrs. Price will be hiring another wet nurse for the babies. To your right, the doorway leads to a sitting room with a small library that you share with your husband. The master’s chambers are beyond.”

Elizabeth would think about the master’s chambers later. Right now, she could not wait to bathe. Both she and Mrs. Carter smelled like sour milk. Clara spit up more than once during the rocky journey to London as did Charlie. By the time they reached the outskirts of Town, there was not one clean cloth left in the basket sitting alongside Mr. Darcy. He, of course, smelled wonderful.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Elizabeth leaned against the bedpost. Everything about her life was tipped upside down. The loss of Jane shook her world. Leaving behind the rest of her family in Hertfordshire left Elizabeth feeling abandoned, although that was not the case. Still, she felt isolated from her life, separated from all she knew. Jane spent months preparing herself to be a wife and mother. Elizabeth was thrust into the position without a moment of training. Not that she resented Charlie and Clara. The opposite was true. She loved them wholeheartedly. Nevertheless, her world shifted when they were born, and it felt like it could never be made right again.

“Mistress Darcy, your bath is ready,” Molly announced from behind her, interrupting thoughts Elizabeth would rather not have.

Vowing to think of something more pleasant, she entered to see a large copper tub with steam rising from the surface. Oh, joy! Until Jane married, she always bathed first. Her sweet sister would rush through her toilette so the next, usually Lydia, at their mother’s insistence, would have warm water. By the time Elizabeth usually had a turn, the bath was already tepid and not entirely clean. Poor Mary and Kitty. To be last was always a punishment.

“Mrs. Darcy, pray, do not rush. The downstairs maids are each desperate to hold those babies. Well, all of us are.” She smiled. “Already Mrs. Carter has bathed and is sleeping soundly. Cook will be sending up a tray for her and for you. Mrs. Price has ordered you not to be disturbed for as long as you like. We are pleased to tend to those children and you.”

Tears of relief threatened. When was the last time anyone cared for her needs other than herself ?

The water was still hot when Molly returned with a tray laden with a cup of steaming hot chocolate, one of Elizabeth’s favorite indulgences, slices of apple, ham, cheese, and fresh bread.

“From the master.” After placing the tray on a small table next to the tub, Molly moved a pile of thick towels close to the fire.

Awestruck at the thoughtful gift, Elizabeth’s warmth from the inside out was not the result of her first sip of the chocolate. It was another evidence that Fitzwilliam Darcy was far more than the man she met in Meryton those many months ago.

Her bath was divine. Wrapped tightly in a silken gown that should have been cool against her skin, she later stood in front of the fire before moving to the window. Sliding the curtain aside, her fingers followed tendrils of rain dancing down the glass.

Resting her forehead on the cold surface, she reviewed her circumstances. Certainly, she was in an enviable position if someone looked in from the outside. She was wed to a man of wealth and status who responsibly carried out his duties. A handsome man of duty, she admitted to herself. The twins were delightful. Her bed was soft, and the fire was warm. Yet, she missed the life she led prior to Jane’s death. She missed the security of knowing what each day would bring. She missed her family. Most of all, she missed the independence her father allowed her, trusting that her judgment was good and her thinking sound. Elizabeth feared that she would somehow lose herself in all these changes. A month from now, six months from now, a year from now, would she be the same Elizabeth that her eldest sister had known? Would she be a true representative of the Bennet family to the twins? Or would she become absorbed in Darcy’s life so entirely that she had no original thoughts of her own?

Lifting her chin, she decided that the course of wisdom at that moment was to take advantage of the thick quilts and the pile of pillows on the bed and do as Mrs. Carter was doing. She would first sleep, and then she would determine how she would proceed from that point on. “I wonder where Mr. Darcy is” was her last thought before her eyes closed.

Darcy was pleased to hear from Mrs. Price that Elizabeth and the babies slept.

Their journey was well-timed since a downpour hit the city mere minutes after the three attorneys departed for their office. The Great North Road in February was a mass of tire ruts and potholes, taking every ounce of his driver’s skill to keep their ride as smooth as possible, and it had been far from leisurely. Pouring rain and buffeting winds would have made their journey from Hertfordshire dangerous and far lengthier.

Standing in front of the fire, Darcy made a mental list of all he needed to do. The attorneys would not be the only ones working through the day and night. Sighing, he moved to his desk and began.

He needed to summon Richard to be at Darcy House when the attorneys returned on the next day, arriving early so Darcy could relay events that brought him to this point. Then, the two of them could set in motion an investigation into Lord Armstrong’s affairs to see if there were any reasons the court would determine that he was not a fit guardian. Next, notices of the deaths of Bingley and his wife, the birth of the children, along with his and Elizabeth’s marriage needed to be posted to the papers. If anyone other than Lord Armstrong felt they were deserving of the babies or Bingley’s assets, the notice would bring them out of the woodwork. It was best to know how many fortune-seekers they had to deal with before they went to court.

Darcy did not doubt that the announcement that he was no longer on the marriage mart would stir gossip amongst the ton. Should anyone feel the need to complain about his marriage, then he would be more than happy to dissuade them of their idiotic thinking.

After, he wanted his aunt and uncle, Hugh and Helen Fitzwilliam, to meet his wife. His surly aunt Catherine de Bourgh could wait for an introduction once matters were settled and Elizabeth had adjusted to her new role. Assuredly, his family would be surprised, even shocked, perhaps disappointed, that he married someone not of elevated rank. Expectations had been high during the seven years since he inherited that he would only attach himself to a diamond of the first order. Although he did not see his wife’s value at first, each minute he was around her elevated his opinion of her. He could not have married better.

An hour later, all the notices were sent. Two hours later, Lord Matlock and Richard joined him in his study.

“What brings you to Town, Darcy? Helen and I doubted anything could pry you away from Pemberley until mid-summer. If it is Georgiana that you are worried about, she is doing well under your aunt’s care.” His uncle Hugh had the same physique as Richard, shorter than Darcy but strong as an ox. It was no surprise that his uncle controlled most of the House of Lords while his cousin commanded a battalion of soldiers. They were born to lead.

“I have every confidence in Aunt Helen’s care. Please be seated. I fear this will take a while.”

His cousin helped himself to Darcy’s brandy, pouring a glass for his father as well.

Richard said, “You gave no hint of what is troubling you in your note. Since I was at Matlock House, we chose not to wait until tomorrow to find out what is on your mind.”

Buying time to sort through his emotions, Darcy said, “Charles Bingley died in a riding accident this week.”

“I am sorry to hear it. It is unfortunate since he was recently married,” his cousin asked sympathetically.

“His wife died in childbirth two days prior.” Although his words sounded bland, Darcy felt anything but calm. Tension built with all that would need to be revealed, and his expectations of his uncle’s response unsettled him.

“Did the child live?” his uncle asked.

“Yes. Mrs. Bingley delivered twins, a son and a daughter.”

“I see.” Uncle Hugh’s head bobbed up and down. “Bingley had some sisters, I believe. That should be enough to see the children settled.”

“Yes, he has two married sisters, Mrs. Hurst and Lady Armstrong.”

“Very good. If Mrs. Bingley has any surviving family, then the children will have enough support for their future.”

Darcy’s pulse raced through his veins. “Mrs. Bingley was one of five daughters of a neighboring gentleman. Since her death, her next eldest sister has been devoted to the health, welfare, and happiness of the twins since their birth.”

“That is all well and good then. They will have family close to them. As a grandfather, the devotion I feel toward my grandson is unlike anything else. The infant’s relationship with Mrs. Bingley’s parents will see them settled. Likely, he appointed either his brothers by marriage or his father-in-law as guardian.” Leaning forward, his uncle said, “I am aware that Bingley was a close friend, Darcy, so accept my sympathies. Now, what brings you to London in the dead of winter?”

Without hesitation, Darcy lifted his chin and replied, “Bingley left no will. I married the second Bennet daughter this morning. Elizabeth and I will file for guardianship of the twins tomorrow.”

“What? Good lord, Darcy, he was a friendly acquaintance, nothing more.” Flabbergasted, his uncle stood to pace the room. “What could you possibly have been thinking? Who are the Bingleys to us? Who are the Bennets? Why would you tie yourself to a stranger for the sake of two children wholly unrelated to you?”

“My wife is not a stranger to me, Uncle. We have known each other since the autumn of 1811. In truth, she is the only lady I ever considered to be my bride.”

“Well, at least she is a lady, not some tart who caught your fancy.”

Anger blazed until Darcy feared sparks would shoot from his fingertips. “You will never speak of my wife with anything less than respect, or our association ends now. In this, I will not bend.”

Although he issued no apology, Uncle Hugh nodded. “As you say, nephew. I have no reason to suspect that you have not thought this through, yet you have to admit that this is not only sudden, but it is an extreme move. Do you have any reason to suspect that Bingley’s family will object to your petition for the children?”

“We have every reason to suspect they will object. Lady Armstrong wrote her brother, commanding Bingley to hand over any son born by Mrs. Bingley. Lord Armstrong’s first wife delivered a daughter who did not survive, I believe, although I know next to nothing of his history. The letter, which likely spurred Bingley’s wild ride ending his life, also stated that the Armstrongs would be traveling to Bingley’s estate in Hertfordshire to await the birth. Likely, they have or will arrive sometime soon only to discover that everyone is gone.”

“And that you married the babies’ aunt.” His uncle stopped pacing. “Lord Armstrong is a powerful man, as I am sure you are already aware. You may be taking on a battle that you cannot win against him. He has resources available to him that you do not, primarily his closeness to the Prince Regent. If he wants the boy, you might want to satisfy yourself by keeping the girl alone.”

Darcy’s throat constricted as he stood. “Are you suggesting that we have no chance?”

His uncle harrumphed, his hand rubbing his chin. “I would not say that it was impossible. But, good heavens, Darcy. What were you thinking? To start your wedded life with a court petition that will take all your energy and rob you of your time and peace of mind? Assuredly, your wife is attached to those children, and I am convinced that no one could be more responsible than you for the care of the twins. However, have you truly thought this through?”

“I have, indeed.”

“I see. Then you are determined to pursue this course?”

“I am.” Shoulder’s pressed back. “Can I count on your support for my marriage and the petition?”

Without a pause, his uncle replied, “You can. Now, where is this new wife of yours? I would like to meet her sooner rather than later.”

“She and the babies are sleeping. The journey was taxing and, as I mentioned, Mrs. Darcy has had full charge of the twins since their birth. I will not disturb her.”

“Very well. I shall return to Matlock House. Do let me know when we can be introduced. Helen and Georgiana will be eager to meet the woman who finally caught your eye.”

With a dip of his chin, Darcy acknowledged Lord Matlock’s olive branch.

After his uncle left to report to his wife, Richard tossed back the rest of his brandy and then poured another. Finally, he spoke. “I thought there was a rift between you and Bingley caused by your disapproval of Bingley’s latest ‘angel.’ Good lord, Darcy, you did not even attend his wedding. I was there since I did not know at the time that you argued. His wife was lovely, obviously in love with her new husband. I was introduced to her sister, Miss Bennet.”

“You were?” Darcy swallowed.

“She is both lovely and lively, I will tell you that. But the rest of her family? Cousin, what in the world have you done?”

Darcy moved to where his uncle had been seated. “Richard, I will be honest. I separated Bingley from Jane Bennet because my attraction to Elizabeth distracted me, tempted me until my control was tested almost beyond what I could bear. Being forever in her company should Bingley marry Jane was intolerable to me, so I selfishly shared my observation that Miss Jane Bennet appeared to be marrying him for security alone at the instigation of her mother. Even though I fully believed it at the time, I was wrong.”

“I’ll say!” Richard gave no quarter. “Only a fool would willingly step between a stallion and his intended mare.” Sipping his drink casually, Richard continued. “Explain to me how you came to be in Hertfordshire to rescue the babies and wed Miss Bennet. Since Bingley instigated the breach, why would you be involved? ”

He retrieved Bingley’s letter to him from his desk, handing it to his cousin, wondering how he would respond.

After reading the missive, Richard said, “This explains why you journeyed to Hertfordshire. You sought to repair any damage caused by you and to be of assistance to a friend. I know you, Darce. Your heart has always been bigger than you are. You always felt responsible for helping Bingley. Once you learned Bingley was gone and saw his babies, your responsibility plus your affections would have been fully engaged. That Miss Bennet, someone you already were attracted to, was part of the package would have been too tantalizing to let go. You have never been comfortable being the target of so many ferocious women who yearned to be the next mistress of Pemberley. In marrying Elizabeth Bennet, the target is gone. I understand your marriage. But the babies? As my father said, to begin a marriage engaged in warfare, a war you likely will not win, will not be good.”

He valued his cousin’s opinion more than any other man’s. “I thank you for your support of me and Elizabeth. But know that my fight for custody will not be done by me alone. Do you not recall that you, me and Bingley discussed this very subject the summer we were at Pemberley? Did you not agree to accept guardianship of Bingley’s and any children I might have in the future, as we agreed to do the same for you?”

Richard gripped the arms of the chair so tightly that they threatened to break. “I do. However, I did not think it would truly come to pass. Blast it, Darcy! You know as well as I that I cannot go back on my word.”

Darcy slapped him on the shoulder. “Then we will fight this battle side-by-side, Cousin.”

Richard growled, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes for so long that Darcy wondered if he had dozed off.

Snapping to attention, Richard said, “We need to discover any secret in Lord and Lady Armstrong’s background. If we are to see justice done, then sharpen your sword and load your pistol, Darcy. This could get bloody.”

Heartened, Darcy agreed. “Aye, I expect it will.”

At a tap on the door, Darcy said, “Enter.”

His butler stepped inside. “Pardon me, sir. Your wife is asking for you. Young master Bingley is ill.”