Darcy & Elizabeth by Linda Berdoll

Author:Linda Berdoll
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2013-06-24T16:00:00+00:00

50

The Indecisive Confinement of Mrs. Fitzwilliam

Fitzwilliam and Georgiana had been home to Derbyshire County but briefly in their year-long tour of England’s spas. Their travels took them to the chilly coast of Kent and Margate, then they skirted Ramsgate altogether and strove on to the smaller Sussex towns of Littlehampton and Worthing. Whilst they journeyed, Fitzwilliam resolutely dragged his game leg from site to site, insisting it was no bother whatsoever. For Georgiana’s part, she assured him that he looked quite dashing driving a gig rather than on horseback—and as the double-vision that had long troubled him had abated enough for him to at last toss aside his eye-patch—she could compliment him on that as well.

Still, it was evident he yearned to be able-bodied enough to return to the saddle and enjoy the long rides that he and Darcy were at one time accustomed to taking. He missed them less for the reassuring sensation of a brisk mount beneath him and the scent of saddle leather as for the company of his good friend. Hence, when they finally made their way to Brighton, he was quite unhappy to find that they had arrived before Darcy and Elizabeth. When at last he espied their arrival, he betook himself directly to their apartments—only to find the new parents still all in an uproar. Little progress had been made in situating their retinue. Fitzwilliam had to laugh at the throng of beings their first trip from home required. For the number of trunks still sitting on the landing told the tale of just how many were in their entourage of babies, nurses, and maids. His own quite simple situation in Georgiana’s able hands meant Fitzwilliam was quite at his leisure to ridicule Darcy’s.

“I say, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said, endeavouring to disguise a grin. “You are laden with more provisions than required by both Wellington and Blucher together!”

Darcy stood amidst the mound of baggage that had barely dwindled from the day before. He looked about him as maids and footmen heaved and pulled them about.

“Such disorder looks to be indefensible, indeed. But you cannot imagine what folderol two so small can demand.”

As he spoke those words, it occurred to Darcy that Fitzwilliam’s understanding of such matters would soon be tried. He had finally accepted that his sister was no longer a deflowered virgin but a mother-to-be who would soon bring forth a living, breathing infant. Indeed, once his sister’s marriage had taken place, the sense of betrayal Darcy had felt towards Fitzwilliam had all but vanished. To see his sister happy at last had done wonders to return him to good humour.

At least initially.

As the months had worn on and the Fitzwilliams did not return to Derbyshire, sending only brief letters admiring the landscape of their latest holiday vista, Darcy had become alarmed.

“Pray, should not they make their way home for Georgiana’s upcoming…event?” Darcy inquired, as if to reassure himself that his mental calendar had not failed him.

“One would think…” replied Elizabeth cautiously.

She had no

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