A Royal Bennet (31 page)

Mrs Phillips continued on, unaware of the
discomfort of her niece. “Well, I told Fanny that she
has no one but herself to blame, as she could have
moved to Sussex. But no, she would not have any of
that. She had to live her own life, and now she is
paying the price. Why she could not be nicer to you, I
will never understand. You were always a good girl,
and my sister treated you so poorly. I am pleased you
have found a good man to love you, and to think, ten
thousand per annum. And you are of royal descent.
My, my, how wonderful things have turned out for
you.”

“Ah, there you are.” Mr Phillips made his way to
his wife. He could see, from across the room, that his
wife was rambling on about things that should not be
discussed at a wedding breakfast. “I am ready to
return home, my dear.”

“But I have not finished speaking with Lizzy.” Mrs
Phillips replied.

“Well, it is not polite to monopolize all of the
bride’s time. There are any others who desire a
chance to wish her joy. Come, dearest. You can
always write to Lizzy.”

As Mr Phillips led his wife away, Elizabeth said a
silent prayer of thanks for her uncle’s interruption.

Darcy came up beside his wife and took her hand,
placing it on his arm. “I believe it is time for us to
leave for Pemberley, my love. I have already spoken
with your father and sister.”

“Thank you, William. I am ready to take my leave.”

The couple made their way around the room,
saying their farewells to those they loved. Soon, they
were stepping into their carriage and on their way to
their new life. And, of course, Sadie was already
inside the carriage, waiting for them to join her.

~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

 

Chapter 20

Elizabeth sat on the chair which had been brought
outside for her to sit. In the beautiful blue silk gown,
she had been sitting for her portrait to be taken for
the previous two days.

It had been nearly two years since her wedding, a
time of joy like she had never known. Her hand
instinctively caressed the swell of her belly, where the
greatest joy of her life was growing.

Darcy had made her the happiest of ladies,
happier than she had ever believed possible. And
their love was blossoming, moving about inside her
womb. She thought often of her own mother. The
love Elizabeth found in being with child was
incredible, and she was certain that her own mother
must have felt the same. It brought her a sense of
closeness to the mother who had given her life. Darcy
was nervous about the news of the baby. He fretted
constantly over the possibility of losing his beloved
wife, even though he was reminded daily that she was
healthy and the physician saw no danger for her.

Elizabeth felt a nudge of a wet nose against her
hand. “Ah, Sadie, how is motherhood treating you? I
have not seen you all day.”

Sadie licked the palm of Elizabeth’s hand before
moving her head underneath the hand. “Forgive me,
my dear girl, how shameful of me not to be petting
you immediately.” She laughed.

Darcy had found a male dog, similar in breed and
personality, and Sadie was pleased to have a mate.
They had had a litter of pups just a month before.
Sadie had become a devoted mother to her four pups,
tending to their every need. Elizabeth was pleased to
watch the pups grow, from the blind, helpless
newborns, to the little bundles of fur who were
learning to discover the world around them.
Georgiana had already laid claim to one of the
puppies, a sweet little girl who was the smallest of the
litter.

There had been so many changes which had
happened since the wedding. Jane and Charles had a
son born ten months after the wedding. Jane was
pleased, and Charles was nearly giddy with delight.
Mr Bennet had set about fixing up the nursery,
demanding it be refurbished for his grandchildren.
Jane’s recent letter announced she was sure she was
increasing again, though it was quite early to be sure.

Charlotte Collins, nee Lucas, returned to her
parents’ home, after the sudden death of her husband.
As his cook had left to tend her daughter during her
confinement, Mr Collins decided to try his hand at
cooking. He had followed Lady Catherine’s advice in
how to cook turnips, only he mistook one of the plants
near his garden to be herbs, and poisoned himself
with hemlock. Fortunately, Charlotte had been ill and
did not partake in the poisonous dish her husband
had made. She was grateful that her husband had
been very frugal, and had built up a savings, which
would allow her to pay her way in life.

Word had been received, shortly after the
wedding, that Margaret’s husband had been lost at sea
when his ship had been ripped apart in a violent
storm. Margaret decided to leave Scotland, as her
eldest son and his family took up the management of
the estate. At first, Margaret stayed at Pemberley, but
then decided to move to Town for some time. Finally,
Margaret took the offer from Mr Bennet to come to
Longbourn. He suggested she live in the cottage
behind the main house, giving her the freedom of her
own home, yet the closeness of others nearby.

Thomas Bennet had become fond of Margaret,
spending a great deal of time with her. Jane had
reported that Mr Bennet was seen almost every day
taking walks with Margaret and talking of books. It
pleased both Jane and Elizabeth to see their father
find peace and comfort in his friendship with
Margaret. Margaret had come to realize how lonely
she had been, all the months when her husband had
been at sea, leaving her alone to raise the children.
She loved her husband, and mourned him, but she
was looking towards the future.

Not too surprising was the news Mr Gardiner
relayed to his family of his sister’s death. Having
turned to a life which was known for its many
diseases and dangers, it was not a shock to the family
when Fanny contracted one of the diseases. She was
dreadfully sick for nearly a month, before her body
gave up and she died, alone in her room at the brothel.
It was only after the stench from the room grew that
anyone realized she had died. Everyone had avoided
Fanny’s rooms when she became ill, for she moaned
and demanded so much from everyone, so the quiet
was enjoyed by the other women of the brothel.

Lydia had vanished without a trace. No one knew
where she went, as there were so many different tales
of her. One person stated she had run off with a
sailor, living on the ship on which he was crew. One
version was she had stowed away on a ship bound for
the Americas, wishing for a new start in the distant
lands. There were more tales as well, but no one
could be certain. And, to be honest, no one truly
cared. Lydia had made her decision to be like her
mother, and nothing that anyone did had changed her.

The Bingleys received word that Caroline Bingley
had become pregnant, which did not shock the family
in the least. It was an unspoken belief that Raymond
would be kept busy by Miss Bingley. Caroline died in
childbirth, along with the baby. Raymond was
devastated, and he disappeared into the barren land
during the middle of a snow storm. His body was
found frozen near a pond, two months after he
disappeared. Louisa remained at the estate, having
little contact with anyone. She sat in a chair, staring
out the window, rarely speaking to the servants. One
night, several months after the death of her sister,
Louisa died in her sleep. The servants claimed it was
as if she decided to stop living.

Richard Fitzwilliam surprised everyone when he
arrived at Matlock with his betrothed on his arm.
Miss Emily Weston was the daughter of Richard’s
commander, and the two had developed a close
bound. It was not long before they decided to marry,
and Richard resigned his commission. Richard was
living at his estate, getting the house prepared for the
day when he brought his bride home. They were
planning to marry after the harvest, though Elizabeth
was sad at the fact she would be in her confinement
and unable to attend the wedding. Lady Matlock was
thrilled, and she began the process of introducing her
future daughter to society. Elizabeth laughed at the
memory of her own first encounter with Lady Matlock
and her desires to introduce Elizabeth to everyone in
society.

Looking down, Elizabeth saw her devoted friend
looking up at her, the love Sadie held for Elizabeth
written in her eyes. “Sadie, you are quite fortunate in
how little time you are with child. I do not like having
to wait so long to hold my babe in my arms.”

Sadie gave her a pitiful look, as if sympathizing
with Elizabeth. “There are my ladies, commiserating
over the joys of motherhood.” Darcy said as he
approached. “The portrait is nearly complete.”

“I am pleased, for I am becoming restless, having
to sit still so long.” Elizabeth said as she took her
husband’s hand and he helped her to her feet.

“Mr Lowe says he has a number of sketches to
work from, so he will be able to work in the
conservatory on the paintings. I looked over the
sketches and am quite impressed with his work. I
chose the sketch which I wish to have my copy
painted from.”

“And why have you not posed with me for a
portrait? I wish to see one of us hanging in the
portrait hall.” Elizabeth said.

“You wish to see me have to sit still, which I have
done several times over the years.” Darcy laughed,
gently poking his wife’s nose. “We will one day have a
portrait together, perhaps after our babe is born.”

“I have a feeling that our child will be much like
me when it comes to sitting still. I must have bruises
inside from all the kicking about.” Elizabeth rubbed
her belly.

“Just like his mother, always moving.” Darcy
placed a kiss on his wife’s lips.

 

“Oh, so now you think it is a boy? Last week you
spoke of our having a daughter.”

Darcy laughed. “Why not one of each? Besides,
we will be having many more children, so sooner or
later I will be correct.”

“Not if I have only boys or only girls.”

“No, my dearest, we will have sons and daughters.
I am certain of that. And I love watching your belly
grow larger. You glow with the life growing inside
you.”

“Are you going to talk to my belly every time I am
carrying your child inside me?” Elizabeth teased.

“Of course. It is not fair that you have this time of
feeling the babe moving about inside you, and I have
to wait until you give birth. So I am talking to our
child, feeling their kicks through you.”

“I received a letter from Jane today. She says that
Mr Hurst has been spending a good deal of time with
Charlotte. It is believed he will ask to court her.”

“Hurst deserves the love of a good woman, and
now, he is free to do as he wishes. Mrs Collins is a
good woman, kind and wise. He could do far worse
than her.” Darcy said as he gained a faraway look.

Elizabeth knew what was bothering her husband.
“When is Georgiana to return? Her letter was so filled
with joy.”

Darcy shook his head. It was difficult to realize his
little sister was a young lady now. A young lady who
had fallen in love. “Do not remind me of her
engagement. My aunt is thrilled, yet I do not wish to
think of Georgiana being old enough to marry. She is
still my baby sister.”

“You have been more of a father to her, but my
dear, she is grown up and ready to start her own life.
You had best hope we have only sons if you are going
to have such a difficult time giving away your girls to
worthy men.”

“Oh, I plan to build a convent on our estate, where
the girls will have to live until they are at least thirty.”
Darcy said. “Richard says that he plans to do the same
if he is blessed with daughters. No men are to be
allowed near them. If necessary, we will build motes
around the convent.”

Elizabeth began laughing. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, you
are a silly man. And I am grateful that you are my silly
man.”

“And I am so grateful I was blessed to marry a
royal Bennet.”

 

THE END
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