Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer

“Right now I feel only happiness and relief that there is movement. Whatever it is will be fine with me. What of you, William?” He nodded and kissed her lips tenderly. They then held each other for a long time before turning to make their tedious, slow ascent up the staircase again. Even though she looked happy, Elizabeth’s eyes were rimmed and dark, her body moving unsteadily behind the stomach that appeared suddenly larger each day. Darcy worried at the spurt of growth within her, anxious that perhaps there were twins coming, and she was so very petite.

“Your aunt seems very happy now about our marriage.”

“Yes, she does, but her attention shifts are legendary. We will have to wait to see which way the winds blow.”

As they entered her dressing room, Darcy called for her maid. “Oh, Lizzy, your legs are swelling up badly. You will not be walking tomorrow.”

“No, please, William. I so love my morning walks. You know that.”

“You will be better served by staying in bed resting with your feet up.”

She tried to protest, but he put up his hand to stop her. It was then that he noticed a letter had arrived for Elizabeth from her sister Jane but had been left unopened.

“What does your sister write?” he asked, trying to divert her attention. He crouched before her to help remove her shoes.

“I’ve no idea. I haven’t opened the letter yet, as you can well see.” Lizzy was disappointed at the thought of not being able to get outside in the morning air, and her mood had shifted to definite crankiness. “Why do you care if I read the letter from Jane?” Yes, she definitely was in a bad mood.

He looked up at her patiently. “I care because she is your sister, and you love her. That is all. If you do not wish to read it, it is your concern alone.”

Immediately regretful, she caressed her husband’s cheek in mute apology then turned her back for him to rub. “I think your son has landed on my spine,” she said softly. “Forgive my testiness, but I hate that you feel distress about me so much.”

He leaned down and kissed her neck. “I myself may be a bit at fault and will try to restrain myself in the future, I promise. Just let me know whenever you need anything…or whenever you do anything…or whenever you want anything, so I can be there with you.”

Elizabeth privately rolled her eyes then turned to smile sweetly up at him, pointing once more toward her back. Almost as soon as he began to massage her, the maid entered. The bashful young girl waited patiently for him to finish. “Please help your mistress get ready for bed,” he said and dropped a kiss on his wife’s shoulder. “I’ll be back in a few moments.” He walked into their bedroom and then into his own dressing room and closed the door. The letter marked urgent, which he had received from Bingley, sat on a tray. He picked it up and read it again.

Dear friend,

Would it be possible for you to come to Netherfield Hall as soon as possible? Please tell Elizabeth nothing. This is of a somewhat private nature, a very personal problem. Forgive the secrecy, but something has come up that may be important.

Yours,

Charles

He was impatient to learn if Elizabeth had received some further explanation in the note from Jane, and concerned that whatever its contents were, they would bring stress to his wife. But in the end, he decided to wait and not press her. The last thing he wanted now was to cause Lizzy any anxiety or concern. Her pregnancy was taxing them both to the limits, and they still had four months left. Four months, kill me now, God. He sighed and shook his head. If there was a problem, which must have been the case, else Bingley would not have even suggested keeping something from Elizabeth, he would quickly find a solution. But it would be best if he could evaluate it first.

For Darcy, not to be in full possession of the facts was pure hell. The knowledge that those facts could in any way distress his beloved wife was unacceptable in the extreme. I hope I can help with what’s to be done, whatever Bingley’s problem may be, he reasoned. But I will protect Elizabeth and our child before anything.

Chapter 14

Lizzy awoke the next day to a bright and beautiful morning, her husband already up and dressed, sitting at the desk in their room, writing a note. “Oh good, you’re awake.” He sat on the edge of the bed and kissed her tenderly. “How are you feeling this morning, Mrs. Darcy?” he asked, thinking to himself that she looked very drained.

“I feel a bit tired.” She squinted back at him through sleepy eyes.