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Meanwhile, at Pemberley the Darcys occasionally ventured out to pay calls or dine with neighbors, but for the most part they were perfectly content to remain at home and enjoy their own company.

As a result, the arrival of the post assumed some natural prominence in their days, providing as it did the primary source of news about family and friends.

One morning in January, the couple was taking tea in the library when the butler delivered the mail.

“Thank you, Allen,” said Darcy while amusedly watching his wife snatch up a letter from Longbourn, but soon his attention was distracted by a letter of his own.

A moment later, both uttered exclamations and then laughed at each other. Darcy motioned for Elizabeth to share her news first.

“Oh, ‘tis nothing of great importance! Only that the Wrights have invited Catherine and my parents to visit them at Boreham Park. Kitty appears to be both thrilled and terrified… she writes for advice on keeping Mama from doing something embarrassing.”

The Darcys shared an amused look before Elizabeth waved at the paper in her husband’s hand. “But what is your news?”

Will glanced back at the letter. “It is from my Uncle James. He insists that he is quite recovered from the illness he suffered in December, but apparently it has prompted him to reconsider his priorities. He has decided to resign his position with the Court at the end of spring and then focus on finishing his monograph on the birds of England.”

“Well, that sounds like a splendid decision; do you not agree?” replied Lizzy, not sure why her husband appeared so ambivalent.

Darcy looked up at her. “He proposes to sign over his house in Bloomsbury to Georgiana so that she and Lord Jonah would have an establishment in London, in addition to their estate in Oxfordshire… and he asks if I would allow him to come and live in the dower house at Pemberley. He has funds enough to buy or lease a house or even a small estate anywhere he wishes, but he finds himself missing Derbyshire.”

“Oh, but that would be wonderful, don’t you think?

” Elizabeth exclaimed, moving to her husband’s side so that she might look at his uncle’s letter herself.

“Bloomsbury might not be as fashionable as Mayfair these days, but it is much closer to the museums and theaters… and the parks there are lovely. I should think that Georgiana and Jonah might even prefer it to Grosvenor Square.”

Fitzwilliam leaned back and tugged her hand so that she tumbled into his lap. “Indeed, it is very generous of him. What do you think of the idea of him living at Pemberley? ”

Lizzy turned her head so that she might see her husband’s eyes, wondering why he appeared so hesitant.

“I would like it very much; I’ve always enjoyed Sir James’ company, and giving him the dower house would allow him to maintain a sense of independence while still being close by.

He can install his own servants and whatever furniture he wishes.

Will, my love, I can see no negatives but please tell me what you are thinking… I cannot read your mind.”

Darcy smiled, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek. “I would like to have him here… I would like it very much. Especially when…”

He trailed off until Elizabeth prompted, “When?”

Squeezing her close, he finished hesitantly, “when the child comes… I was thinking that Uncle James could tell him or her stories about my father and grandparents.”

Elizabeth’s heart nearly broke to see the longing that flashed across her husband’s face.

He always seemed so capable—as if he had been born knowing how to manage it all—that sometimes she forgot he was an orphan.

She tucked her head under his chin and hugged him tightly.

“That would be brilliant. I would very much like to have this child of ours spend time with Sir James… though you realize we shall have to set aside a room for all the creatures that will be brought home… I would prefer they not be allowed to go flying, crawling, or slithering beyond the schoolroom!”

Will chuckled, just as she had intended. More confidently, she urged, “Well then! You must write to him immediately and work out the details. Perhaps you can deal with the solicitors and whatever paperwork is necessary when we are in London in February?”

Darcy’s arms tensed. “Yes, it would make sense to include the Bloomsbury house in Georgiana’s settlement papers.”

“My poor, dear, sweet William… she shall be very happy, you know.”

“ Must we go to London?”

“I am afraid so, dearest. But just for three weeks… nothing like last spring.”

“Praise be to God,” muttered Darcy, much to his wife’s amusement.

“We shall attend a few dinners, a ball or two, and see that new exhibit you read about. I’ll do some shopping with Georgiana while you see to your business with the solicitors,” she continued speaking over Fitzwilliam’s groan, “and then we will all come home again, just in time for the spring planting.”

“And in time to count the days until Georgiana’s wedding,” he grumbled, miserable but resigned.

“Oh!” exclaimed Elizabeth, sitting up straight with a startled look.

“What is it? What is wrong!?!” demanded Fitzwilliam. “Should I call for the doctor? ”

He seemed about to carry her off to her bedchamber, so she spoke quickly; “No, no… it is perfectly well. Come, here,” said Elizabeth, guiding his hand to a point on her stomach. “Your child only wishes their share of the attention.”

Any thoughts of sisters or uncles were immediately disregarded in favor of the next generation of Darcys.