Page 124 of Obligation and Redemption

Darcy could think of many ways, but quickly put them out of his mind, for he now understood that there was no physical show of affection that could ever satisfy him without his wife’s open and honest devotion. “Your happiness is all that is needed.”

Elizabeth stared at him in wonder. Could this be the same man whom she married?

And would he change back to that once proud, disagreeable man upon leaving Pemberley and returning to town?

She could not bear to return to how things had been.

Then she recalled her second letter. “My aunt’s letter! I should read it.”

“Speaking of your aunt, why did you not tell me her history? I knew that you mentioned that she had been a friend of Mrs. Carpenter at one time, but I did not consider her being from Lambton or who she might be. Elizabeth, your aunt is the former Margaret Pennington. Her father was one of my father’s dearest friends at one time, before he died.

She comes from a noble family, if now somewhat distant. ”

“I did not realise her father and yours were such close friends. She did tell me she had known you once, but when you did not perceive who she was, I supposed that the acquaintance was tenuous at best. I did tell you that you would have things in common if you were to give her a chance, but you would not.”

“I always wondered what happened to Miss Pennington, now Mrs. Gardiner. I cannot understand how I missed who she was. She was but fifteen when last I saw her. I was twelve, but she has changed very little. She is still just as lovely as she ever was.”

“You thought her lovely?”

“Yes! I even had a childhood infatuation with her, until she left.” Darcy noticed his wife’s merriment and asked, “Why do you laugh?”

“I never thought for a moment that my husband would have had a childhood obsession with my aunt! She is a tradesman’s wife, you know.”

“Yes, I am aware of her husband’s occupation, but at the time, she was the daughter of our rector, one of my father’s dearest friends.

Mr. Gardiner and I spent time over dinner getting to know one another.

Elizabeth, I was foolish to discount your family without getting to know them.

You must think me such a pompous simpleton. ”

“I knew if you gave them a chance that you would come to recognise their true worth despite their being in trade.”

“Your uncle told me about his successes as a businessman. When I consider how many of my own friends gamble away the money handed down to them from others’ hard work and while away their days in conceited profligacy, and there I was judging your family harshly and by some ill-judged standards of value – I am ashamed of myself.

And you, my Elizabeth, listened to me make an absolute arse of myself. How you must have been laughing at me.”

“No, I could not laugh. Had you been someone else, anyone else, perhaps.”

They continued to sit there in silent contemplation, he of his unseemly behaviour the past four months, and she of her growing admiration for the man before her.

But then she remembered her letter again and was anxious to read its contents.

“I think I would like to read my aunt’s letter now, if that is acceptable to you. ”

“Of course. Will you remain in here with me while I read my own?”

“If you wish it.” He smiled and then began to devote himself to his correspondence.

Elizabeth unfolded the letter from her aunt and read.

March 11, 1811

Dear Lizzy,

You sly girl. You never told Mr. Darcy of my connection with his family, poor man. Well, he knows now, and I imagine he regrets his former views on us, so don’t be too hard on him.

I will let you read Jane’s letter for the exciting news of the day.

She is all aglow and anxious to share with you.

So if you have not yet read her letter, stop now and read hers before you carry on here.

She quickly forgave Mr. Bingley for his misguided absence and is well on her way to being in love, if not so already. We are very pleased with the match.

Now about your own letter, my dear Lizzy, how happy I am for you!

You are indeed with child. I am all but certain.

I know because your courses stopped and you have all the classic symptoms of fatigue, nausea and emotional outbursts!

All of these are normal for a woman in your condition.

When will you tell your husband? I know he will be delighted to know that he will soon be a father, and a good one he will be, if he is anything like his own.

I know you might hope for an heir, but I cannot help but say that I do hope for a little girl, one just like you.

There are those who abstain from marital relations while pregnant, but I confess that I see no need. When is your expected confinement? I must know so I can plan on helping you, if you wish it.

I must now write to your mother about Jane or she will never forgive me.

Your devoted aunt,

MG

Elizabeth finished her letter with satisfaction.

Her aunt had answered her most pressing questions, and she was now free to let the joy of her condition overcome her, but not now in the sitting room.

“I will see you later, sir. I believe I would like to practise the pianoforte for a little while.”

“Can I come listen to you later?”

She smiled at his consideration. “If it pleases you.”

“It does.”

“Then I will see you again soon.”

BEFORE DARCY COULD JOIN HER in the music room, however, sleepiness overcame Elizabeth again, but this time, she was contented to know that her sleep was for the baby’s sake. She let herself fall into a deep slumber, and hours later she was woken up, not by Janette, but by her husband.

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth, wake up.You have been asleep all afternoon.”

She roused at her husband’s voice, opening her eyes to see him sitting on the side of her bed.

Elizabeth instantly recalled that she had fallen asleep in her chemise and reached to her chest to make certain she was covered; however, she was disheartened to discover that she had inadvertently kicked off her blanket while she slumbered.

So she began to look around for the covering, only to discover she had kicked it off the bed.

“Do you always sleep so restlessly, Elizabeth?” asked her amused husband.

“Could you please hand me the throw, Mr . Darcy? I seem to have misplaced it while sleeping.”

“Oh, I’m Mister Darcy again. Are you always so changeable, Mrs. Darcy? ”

She breathed in deeply, letting out an exaggerated sigh. “I will get it myself.”

“No allow me,“ said he as they both leaned down simultaneously to retrieve the covering off the floor.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, but equally fortuitous for her husband, she caught her leg on the side of the bed while quickly attempting to jump off to grab the blanket, thus falling straight into his strong arms, who could not have planned a more delightful encounter with his wife.

“I never knew you to be clumsy, my dear,” he said as he held on to her, a becoming smile gracing his countenance.

He has dimples, thought a distracted Elizabeth, and then realising her predicament, she quickly pulled herself away and snatched the blanket off the floor.

“I am not usually so, but I find that my husband tends to have that negative effect upon me.” Just then Elizabeth remembered reading her aunt’s letter before falling asleep and began searching around to find it.

Darcy noticed her distracted perusal of the bed and began to look himself for he knew not what.

Just then, Elizabeth snatched the letter up quickly as if she feared he might get to it first.

“I did not know you were looking for your letter; I could have already told you where it was”

“What did you see?”

Darcy had now begun to wonder what she did not want him to regard in the letter her aunt had sent to her. “I did not see anything. I do not make a habit of reading other people’s correspondence. I have enough to worry with my own.”

She saw her error and meant to make light of the whole notion, so she hastily said, “Of course. I meant no disrespect. I think I am still confused from being woken up. That’s all.

” She then walked over to her writing desk while wrapping herself in the blanket.

Elizabeth opened the top and added the letter to a stack of others.

Meanwhile, Darcy was watching her curiously, trying to figure out her strange behaviour. She obviously did not want me to see the letter, but why? It was clearly from her aunt.

“What time is it? I should probably prepare for dinner.”

Darcy, after a few moments in thought, finally said, “I have an idea. It is getting close to the time you would need to dress for dinner, but you are obviously still tired. Instead of attiring formally, let’s take trays in our sitting room.

We could spend the rest of the afternoon and evening upstairs and bypass all the fuss of getting ready. ”

“That sounds nothing like you. Are you certain you would want to have such an informal evening?”

“Only if it pleases you.”

The timing of her yawn seemed to answer any question he might have had about her preferences.

“I will send word down to the kitchen. Why don’t you don your dressing gown and I will get more comfortable myself.

” A look of panic overspread her countenance as she contemplated what he must have been thinking.

“Elizabeth, please do not make yourself uneasy. I can assure you that I have no intentions other than to spend a quiet evening with my lovely wife. ”

“I am sorry. Having me as a wife must be such a tribulation for you,” said Elizabeth, equally embarrassed and relieved.

“A tribulation?” He laughed. “No, I would rather say an advantage.”

“Oh, and how is that?”