Page 15 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Rosewood Manor

Evan’s Study

“I say, Ana, if you do not stop leaving your books ...”

Evan Ingram’s words died on his lips as he stood, the offending tome that he had just tripped over, in hand. Georgiana sat behind his desk, smiling provocatively. His eyes followed her long delicate limbs to her perfectly shaped feet propped on the edge of his desk. She wore no shoes and her skirts were pulled up enough for him to see that she wore no stockings either. His mouth hung open for so long that she had time to slide her feet off the desk and glide over to place her arms around his neck.

“Breathe,” Georgiana whispered as she leaned in to capture his lips in a searing kiss. Finally coming to his senses, Evan pulled her into a tight embrace, his mouth answering hers in a battle for dominance, even as he hardened with desire.

Pulling back for air, he leaned in to whisper, “I locked the door.” He could feel her smile against his cheek.

“I knew there was a reason that I married you, Evan Martin Barrett Ingram.” She slipped his coat off, and it fell to the floor unnoticed. “You are a very considerate man.”

While they kissed, she began undoing the buttons of his waistcoat as his hands ran up and down her bare arms. Done with the waistcoat, it joined his coat on the floor. “I think I might be persuaded to keep you,” she purred. Her delicate rosewater perfume wafted over him, fanning the flames of desire.

“So you MIGHT keep me, Mrs. Ingram?” Evan retorted, sounding as though he had more self-control than he did. Quite easily picking her up, he headed to the nearest sofa. Stopping to capture her mouth once more, his tongue found hers and they duelled until he broke away to lay her down on the soft cushions. Quickly he joined her, lying down beside her, then rolling on top. She felt some cool air as the hem of her gown was slowly raised, and then the warmth of a hand as it slid up her legs to the junction of her thighs.

“When will you know for sure?” Evan murmured, his voice as smooth as warm syrup.

“Hmmm,” she murmured dreamily. “I—I think I shall know very shortly, if you keep to your present occupation.”

And he did.

Afterwards they lay in contented bliss, neither wishing to break the spell by parting even to straighten their clothes. Lying with his head in the crook of her neck, he began to kiss the softness available to his lips.

“I love you so much, Ana. I cannot imagine my life without you. You are all I need to be happy for the rest of my life.”

Georgiana’s reply, whispered in his ear was barely audible. “Wh—what if we never have children?”

He pulled back to study her. Tears slowly rolled down her face as uncertainty crept into her heart. Running the backs of his fingers over her cheek, he whispered, “I would rather live with you and have no children, my darling, than to live without you. However, you were born to be a mother, and a mother you shall be. We have excellent people employed to find a child to be ours. Somewhere out there is a small creature in need of parents, and the good Lord is working to bring him or her to us at this very minute. I have no doubt.”

Ana sniffled, smiling now. She ran her fingers over his beloved face, the stubble of a beard barely beginning. “Do you really think so?”

Evan’s face split with the most amazing smile—the same smile that had stolen her heart the day he found her thrown from a too spirited mount. His even, white teeth contrasted with the tan of his skin, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with adoration—all for her. Once again Georgiana was reminded of how blessed she was to have him in her life.

Unaware of her observations, Evan exclaimed, “Absolutely! I have no doubt that somewhere out there a child is making its way to us at this very moment.”

On the road home

William studied the face of the child destined to be his niece while she sat enraptured by the fanciful tale his cousin was weaving to entertain her. For one so young, she paid attention almost as well as Arthur, and her humour had been excellent for most of the journey, becoming irritable only when she tired. Fortunately, Richard’s masterful talent for creating stories—a skill honed beside many a campfire—saved them. Of course, the stories William recollected that Richard composed for his fellow soldiers were a lot bawdier!

“And so it was that Sir Richard, the noble knight, arrived just in time to save the beautiful Princess Millie from that old dragon—the evil Queen Catherine. Afterwards, that ugly, slimy toad, Collins, hopped into a deep hole and was never seen again in England!”

Millie giggled and clapped her hands in delight. This was the third story Richard had completely fabricated, using distinct voices for each character and a plethora of hand movements. Arthur, who was holding the girl, seemed almost as spellbound as his charge and continued to stare at Richard with his mouth open, as if expecting him to continue or begin another.

William’s lips curved involuntarily. “An evil Queen Catherine and a toad named Collins?”

Richard smirked. “I call them as I see them, Darce! Besides, it is never too early to teach Millie who can and cannot be trusted.”

“I am afraid the child will have to be kept away from Aunt Catherine and Rosings until she is old enough to know not to repeat your stories.”

“Every child should be kept away from our Aunt Catherine. Would that I had been!” Richard smirked, then sobered. “Besides, Georgiana goes near her about as often as you do, which is never!”

William shook his head at his cousin’s comments. Even if he did agree with Richard’s assessment of Lady Catherine, he hated that the family had come to such division. Sighing, he turned just in time to recognize a small post inn—a landmark that signified they were only a few miles from Rosewood Manor. Once there, the weary child would be able to rest, and they would have a respite from the long journey.

Unfortunately, he reflected, it also meant that he would have a great deal to explain. His sister and brother were completely unaware of Millie’s arrival, and though he felt sure that they would be delighted, he felt uneasy just appearing on their doorstep with a child in tow. He had considered sending an express, but gave up that idea when he had tried three times to compose a logical explanation for his impulsiveness. Talking with them face-to-face seemed to be the only sound alternative.

He shook his head as if to clear his mind. Since there was nothing he could do at this late hour, he closed his eyes, hoping to think of more pleasant things ... such as home.

Home—Pemberley—Elizabeth!

William paused at the thought. The word home had always evoked images of Pemberley, but now thoughts of home brought to mind Elizabeth . Closing his eyes, he envisioned the way she looked when last he saw her on the balcony. He allowed his head to fall back, sinking into the cushion. He could almost feel her in his arms. How I have missed you, my love.

Abruptly, his daydream was interrupted. “Mr. Darcy, I think she wants you to take her.”

William opened one eye to see Arthur looking from him to Millie. She was perched on the edge of his lap, holding out both arms towards him, while the boy was trying not to smile. Apparently, he had no trouble seeing the apprehension William felt reflected in that one eye.

“It has been a long time ... I do not know if I remember how to—” William stammered, sitting up straighter. He was interrupted by her protector.

“Millie does not bite.”

Richard’s chuckle drew a pointed glare from William. He quickly covered his mouth with his fist, and his shoulders shook as he tried not to make a sound while he continued laughing.

William’s gaze flicked back to Arthur in time to see Millie fall towards him, and he had no recourse but to grab her. Awkwardly, he tried holding her on the very edge of his lap, but she would not be satisfied and squirmed about until she sat snuggled against his chest. Then slowly, she raised her head to study him. Immediately, his gaze was captured by two intense blue eyes, and it was as though another small girl with the same blue eyes and golden curls stared back at him. Long forgotten memories overwhelmed his senses and he swallowed hard.

He knew just where to look—the heavy curtains in the library always had been her favourite hiding place.

“ Why are you hiding, Gigi?”

“ I ... I am not hiding, Fitzy.”

“ Then why are you here?”

“ I cannot be still. Papa is cross.”

“ It is only for a little while.”

“ But I would have a tea party.”

“ I know; however, Mother is sick, and this is all she asks for her birthday. Will you not do it for her?” He held out his hand. “Or for me? You can sit still for a little while longer. The artist is almost finished.”

“ I—I guess so, if you promise to play tea party with me after.”

“ I will. I promise.”

“ Thank you, Fitzy. I love you.”

“ I love you, too!”

He led his three-year-old sister back to the drawing room where his father and mother waited patiently, while the artist patted his foot impatiently. As his father sat Georgiana in her mother’s lap, he and his father took their places alongside them. He felt the familiar squeeze of his shoulder, signalling that his father was pleased.

Even though he was but six, William had understood his father’s unspoken communication—this portrait could possibly be the last likeness of his mother. Though he had watched her grow weaker and weaker with each child she had lost, he chose to believe her health was improving, as his father always assured Georgiana. So it was on the occasion of his mother’s thirtieth birthday that he pasted a faint smile on his lips, and stood perfectly still, willing his heart not to break. Fortunately, he had no way of knowing that two summers later, it would.

Unbidden tears filled his eyes, and William looked up through his dark lashes to see if anyone was looking. Finding Richard observing him, he turned to the window, hoping the offending tears would not spill and give him away as his thoughts returned again to that painful memory. Had it truly been four and twenty years since his family was complete?

Millie’s small hand on his face brought his thoughts back to the present, and he looked down at her. Several small teeth gleamed as she crinkled her nose and smiled at him. Then satisfied, she laid her tired little head back on his chest and instantly fell asleep. As feelings he had long suppressed came rushing back, William’s arms wrapped protectively around her.

Richard had not missed a thing—from the initial fear of holding the child, to the remembrances of long hidden hurts and the unsolicited tears, and finally the comfort of the child’s caress. Rarely had he seen his cousin so exposed. Without the usual expressionless mask, there was nothing but a very vulnerable man.

You have seen much heartache, my brother. Would that you find equally as much happiness with your Elizabeth.

Arthur looked on in awe. “She does not usually take to strangers.” He cocked his head to the side. “It looks to me like you have done this before.”

Pemberley

The Library

Mrs. Reynolds peeked in the door, pleased to see Elizabeth sitting quietly among the books, as Mrs. Drury read from Donne’s sonnets. Elizabeth held another leather covered book in her hands, sliding her fingers up and down the spine. Stopping to admire the beauty of the wood panelling, thick rugs over polished wood floors, and the cream and green sofas and chairs spaced throughout the vast space, the housekeeper sighed with contentment. This library was one of Mr. Darcy’s delights, and she had no doubt that when he returned, he would be pleased to know that Miss Elizabeth had agreed to join Mrs. Drury here in lieu of staying in her room all day.

Marvelling that due to the considerable size of the room the companion’s voice could barely be understood from the doorway, Mrs. Reynolds entered, confidently striding towards the duo with a tray of tea and refreshments. Since Miss Elizabeth had unquestionably accepted her as a friend while the master was away, she was determined to become better acquainted. It was obvious that her boy cared a great deal about the young woman, and she intended to let her know that she cared as well.

“Good morning!” she said, a bit louder than necessary and in a decidedly cheerful tone. She was pleased to note that when Elizabeth looked up to study her, a very slight smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

She set the tray on a table directly in front of the young woman, leaning down to address her. “I brought your favourite, Miss Elizabeth—apple muffins!” Elizabeth’s eyes studied the lid the housekeeper was removing, and the smell of apples wafted through the room as they were uncovered. “I hope you and Mrs. Drury will enjoy them.”

When Mrs. Reynolds’ eyes flicked to Mrs. Drury’s, and she noted that Elizabeth’s companion was nodding her approbation.

“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. You have been so kind to us,” she murmured. Her voice almost cracked as she added, “You have taken on so much by having us here.”

“It has been our pleasure to have you and Miss Lawrence as our guests. Never think it has been anything but a delight. I am thrilled that you both,” she cut her eyes to Elizabeth, “have begun visiting other areas of the house. I am sure you will love the conservatory and the music room just as much, should you care to spend time there. Mr. Darcy will be so pleased, when he returns to learn that you have ventured from your rooms.”

Both women watched as Elizabeth leaned forward, took a small plate and placed a small muffin on it before placing it in her lap.

“Would you like some tea?” Mrs. Reynolds hurried to pour a cup of the steaming liquid. “Sugar and cream, I believe, is your preference.” She prepared the tea and held out a saucer, carefully balancing the delicate china cup on top.

“Thank you.”

It was weak, barely audible, but both women gasped and exchanged glances, aware that they must have heard the same utterance. Mrs. Reynolds’ hand shook, and she placed her other hand on the cup to keep it steady. Elizabeth’s eyes met hers before accepting the proffered refreshment and taking the cup to her lips.

“You—you are most welcome, my dear,” Mrs. Reynolds breathed.

Mrs. Drury sat transfixed. Had she been alone, she might have thought it just her imagination, but the look on Mrs. Reynolds’ face confirmed what had occurred. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Finally, she recovered enough to ask, “Miss Elizabeth, are you well?”

Elizabeth’s face had settled into her former indifference, and no answer was forthcoming when she met her guardian’s gaze. Then resuming her enjoyment of the delight, she took a bite as if nothing had happened.

Mrs. Drury sighed, and with a nod to Mrs. Reynolds, patted her charge’s hand. “After you finish eating, perhaps we shall walk in the garden. Would you like that, dear?”

Knowing there would likely be no reply, she suppressed the tears that threatened. At least this was a beginning.

Elizabeth’s mind was whirling. She was not at home—at Longbourn. No. Wherever this room was situated, it was beautiful beyond her wildest imagination. She began to admire the abundance of polished wood on the walls and recognised a smell she had almost forgotten—the smell of her father’s library.

She could hear someone reading, and it comforted her. Looking to both sides, she was amazed at the sight of more books than she ever had seen in one place. This was definitely not Longbourn’s library. She reached for a book that was lying on a nearby table, running her fingers down the spine.

Suddenly her eyes settled on two women, one sitting and one standing. Their countenances were so kind that she was not afraid, though she wondered who they might be. Abruptly, one woman lifted a lid to reveal golden brown muffins on a plate directly in front of her. The smell of apples filled her nostrils and, tentatively, she reached for a delicate china plate and placed a warm treat on it. She scarcely had set it in her lap when someone handed her a cup of steaming liquid—tea it was.

Instinctively she murmured, “Thank you.”

Rosewood Manor

Evan’s study

The sound of a carriage pulling up in front of the house brought Evan to his feet and directly after, to the window of his study. “Oh no, Ana, it is your brother’s coach. They have returned sooner than expected.”

The unmistakable sound of an approaching carriage had propelled him into action, and he had begun to right his clothes—tucking in his shirt and buttoning his breeches—even as he stalked towards the window to see who had arrived. Returning to the place where he had been deliriously happy only minutes before, he picked up his coat, waistcoat, and cravat along the way.

Equally alarmed, Georgiana quickly smoothed her skirts and began putting her clothes into some semblance of order. She then twisted her hair into one long strand before swiftly fashioning it into a bun, mumbling under her breath the entire time. Evan grinned at the sight of his beautiful wife’s discomposure.

“What are you saying, dear?”

“Why does William always show up without notice?” she whined.

Never once stopping, she continued to complain as she stooped to retrieve a pin, then haphazardly stuck it into the bun. “Inconsiderate!”

Spying one more just a few feet away, she squatted to pick it up and glimpsed another. “Thoughtless!”

Falling to her knees, she crawled towards the last pin which was nearly unreachable under a table. Completely unaware of the pose she presented in her pursuit of the pins, she was surprised to hear her husband’s voice from behind her.

“If your brother were not on the verge of discovering us, I would show you how enticing you look from this point of view.” Still on her knees, she blew out an exasperated breath and looked back over her shoulder.

“You should not be thinking of that at a time like this!” She held out her hand. “Help me make myself presentable!” His wonderful deep laugh filled the room as he reached to take the offered hand, pulling her to her feet and into a warm hug, before planting a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.

She stomped her foot. “One of these days, I shall just send him away without an explanation!”

“Of course, you will, my love! And tell me, when has Darcy ever given us notice of his arrival? Here!” He held out three more pins. “Put these last few in your hair, and we shall be perfectly respectable!”

Once she had finished, he turned her around in a circle. “Lovely, as usual. He will be none the wiser!”

She reached out to smooth his ruffled hair. “Do not think for a moment that we shall fool Richard—my brother, maybe, but never Richard!”

They both laughed, falling into each other’s arms for one last hug before going, hand-in-hand, to unlock the study door. As they did, they shared a knowing smile. Richard had discovered a locked door once before, and they still had not heard the end of it.

Just as they reached the foyer, the front door was thrown open by Mr. Jenkins, and Richard’s large frame filled most of it as he strode into the house. “Good Lord, it is good to be back in Derbyshire!”

A young, red-haired boy followed close behind him, and then Ana’s beloved brother came through the door carrying a blond-haired child of about two. Shocked at the sight of Millie, both Ingrams froze, neither able to move or offer a word of greeting. For just a moment, William wondered if he had made a mistake, and even Richard threw him a questioning look.

Instantly, his attention was drawn back to Millie as she began crying and wiggling so forcefully that William was obliged to set her down. She took off like a flash, small shoes tapping out a cadence on the polished marble tiles as she ran towards Georgiana.

“Mama!”

As in a dream, Georgiana stooped to catch her as she neared, and the crying child flung herself into her arms. There were tears in every eye as the crying child clung to Georgiana, and she soothed the child with calming reassurances. Evan looked from the scene before him to his brother with a puzzled expression.

“She is an orphan in need of a good home. I thought—” William began, before being interrupted by Arthur’s reverent voice.

“I—I cannot believe it. You look so much like her mother, ma’am. She was tall and blond, like you and ...” His voice faltered, and he shook his head in wonder. “I am Arthur Fielding. I have been helping to care for Millie since ...” His voice trailed off. “I think she believes you are her mother. She has not seen her since—since the fire.”

He stopped, suddenly realising what he was saying and fearing the effect it might have on the child. However, Millie was too emotional to notice anything but Georgiana. Pulling back to study the small, teary-eyed child clinging to her, Georgiana soothed, “Shhh, little one, all is well.” She swayed from side to side in a rocking motion as Millie laid her head against her chest.

Meeting Evan’s eyes, now as bright with tears as her own, she brushed an unruly curl from the cherub’s face. Then Georgiana flashed a confused smile at him before setting her gaze on her brother. “Of all the people in the world, how did this child come into your care? Is she truly in need of a home? Can this be happening?”

William’s head bobbed up and down. “Yes, she is, and before you become alarmed, let me assure you that I would never have brought her here without careful consideration. Arthur’s aunt has charged me with finding her a good home, and though you are my sister,” his eyes flicked to Evan, “and my brother, I know of no couple with greater capacity for loving her than the two of you.”

Slowly Georgiana let out the breath she had been holding, her eyes coming to rest on Millie. “This is real. No waking up tomorrow to find out it was all a mistake?”

“You have always trusted me, Gigi. Trust me now.” Big tears rolled down her face as she met her brother’s gaze, nodding solemnly.

Georgiana and Evan then focused on each other, and without words, he moved to slide his arm around his wife’s waist, while slowly bringing the other up to cradle Millie’s head. Two large, blue eyes opened, studying him intently for a moment, and as if in acceptance, closed again, causing Evan to struggle not to weep.

William ventured tiredly, “I will be glad to explain all the particulars, but I had hoped it would not be necessary to do so tonight. She ... we are all exhausted.”

Georgiana nodded in acquiescence. Though there were a thousand questions she wanted to ask, now was not the time. For at this moment, she had a small person in her arms that needed a bit of supper and plenty of rest. Her words were barely audible as she focused on William. “Thank you for your faith in us.”

She seemed about to cry, and not waiting for his reply, raised her chin and looked to her other guests. “Please come back with Fitzwilliam tomorrow, Richard. We have had little time to visit lately, and,” glancing to Arthur, “I look forward to hearing everything you have to tell me about Millie.”

Turning, she began to mount the grand staircase, speaking softly to the little girl in her arms. “And so, sleepy angel, would you like to see a room I decorated for someone just like you? You know, it has stood empty for far too long.” She deposited a kiss on the top of the child’s head just before she disappeared at the top of the stairs.

The men below followed the loving scene until the participants were gone. Then Richard and William hurriedly composed themselves, turning to wipe all evidence of their tender hearts from their faces. However, when they turned to Evan, they found that he had not tried to hide his own tears in the least. Looking to first his brother and then his cousin, he did something totally out of character—he pulled both men into a tight hug, an arm around each friend. He whispered roughly, “Thank you seems so little a sentiment.”

Then swiftly stepping away from them, the Evan of old returned, and each pretended nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “Will you entertain yourselves, while I join my wife for a little while? Dinner should be ready shortly, and I ask that you please start without us. You know how to make yourselves at home.”

Nothing more was said as they watched Evan take the steps two at the time on his way to the nursery. William was deep in thought again when he was roused by Richard’s teasing of the butler.

“Mr. Jenkins, I have every faith in your ability to locate Mrs. Jenkins swiftly. Would you please tell her there are two very hungry bears and one cub waiting in the drawing room?”

Mr. Jenkins had been fighting to control his own emotions, and Richard’s playfulness was just what he needed to recover. “No need, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I was just about to announce dinner. Mrs. Jenkins is awaiting everyone in the dining room. Will the young man be eating with you?”

“Yes. Yes, he will.”

Richard and William began to make their way in the direction of the dining room, the smell of delicious food now wafting through the house, making them exceedingly hungry.

They had not gotten very far when Mr. Jenkins called out, “Sir, if I may.” Richard and William stilled to look back at him as he addressed Georgiana’s brother. “I would like to say you have made this household very happy.”

With that he lifted his chin, assumed his normal emotionless expression, and more quickly than usual, disappeared down the hall.

Richard grinned, putting an arm around Arthur’s shoulder. “Come, my boy. Let me show you how a soldier eats when he is unsure of his next meal!”

“Unsure of his next meal?” William chided, chuckling softly.

“Shhh, Cousin. Do not interrupt me when I am training a future recruit!”

~~~*~~~