Mrs. Fitzwilliam Read online

  Nanny took Richard’s hand when Elizabeth set him down. Rose joined them and the Gardiners followed.

  Elizabeth climbed the steps of Bingley House with Jane. As they were the only three still on the steps, Charles pointed down the street to a townhome that gleamed white as men lit the lights along the road.

  “‘Tis Matlock House there, Mr. Darcy’s townhome is farther along the way.”

  Elizabeth leaned against her sister and bit her bottom lip. She had not thought her son might live so close to the Matlocks. “I don’t know how we shall accomplish it, but no one must know I have a son yet.”

  Jane took her husband’s hand. “Charles and I will never speak a word of it to anyone, Lizzy.”

  Charles echoed his wife’s assurances. “Only you shall decide when they will know, my dear. I wished to make you aware of how very close they are to Bingley House. But in London, in their society, secrets are most difficult to keep. It is a blessing my sisters have never returned to Netherfield since Jane and I were married. Caroline certainly would have carried news of your marriage to the Colonel back to Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth had not thought of Mr. Darcy in years. “Why would she tell him of our marriage? I knew she was in love with the man but what has my marriage to do with him?”

  Charles was astonished his sister did not know the connection. Mr. Darcy had left Hertfordshire after the Netherfield Ball and so Lizzy had never learned more of the man. Richard had persuaded Bingley never to tell Elizabeth of the connection, though Richard and Darcy were not estranged.

  “Richard and Mr. Darcy were cousins, Lizzy. Quite close, too. He kept it secret as a way to shield you from everyone in his family.”

  Elizabeth felt her anger rise at this news. Richard had been unable to share the happiest news of his life with his family. She should not be surprised for Mr. Bingley had become estranged from Mr. Darcy, his best friend, because of his decision to marry Jane.

  She recalled her distaste for Mr. Darcy. He was the proudest, most arrogant man of her acquaintance. That Richard was his cousin seemed nearly impossible, for the two men were nothing alike. Mr. Darcy had insulted her at the assembly in Meryton and been most judgmental of Jane. It was incomprehensible as Jane was the sweetest creature in all of England.

  In that moment, it became quite clear to her that the Fitzwilliam family was capable of driving away those they loved most. Her husband’s estrangement from his family would certainly complicate her life and by extension, that of her son.

  Her heart heavy with regret at coming to Town, Elizabeth took the hand Jane offered and placed one foot in front of the other with effort. There was no turning back even if she begged Charles to return to Hertfordshire.

  Once all were settled in the parlor of Bingley House, Aunt Madeline sat close to Elizabeth. “You seem most unhappy, Lizzy. Did you not wish to come to London?”

  Jane called for tea while Charles looked to Lizzy. She nodded to him and bowed her head. Aunt Madeline placed an arm about her niece. She loved all her nieces equally, but Lizzy was her particular favorite though she would never say such aloud.

  “We have come to London at the request of Richard’s family. Their eldest son, Andrew, died in a fire recently leaving them without an heir. Somehow they learned Richard had married and sent a letter to the War Office.

  The War Office supplied them with Elizabeth’s name. We have come so that they might settle Richard’s portion upon Elizabeth and learn of their only grandson.”

  Uncle Gardiner gave a low whistle. “So young Richard is now the heir? What will you do Lizzy? Richard never wanted his family to meddle in his life. Do you think he would wish them to know of his only child?”

  Elizabeth lifted her head and looked to her uncle. “I cannot think, under the circumstances, he would wish for his son to be kept secret. With no living heirs, the Matlocks will decide on another male within their family and my son will lose his birthright. I will not deny him that no matter how I long to keep him hidden. I must come to know them first and so we will pretend young Richard is not mine for a time. It should not prove difficult.”

  Aunt Madeline patted her hand. “Certainly we will keep your secret, Lizzy. Take heart my dear girl. Surely they shall come to love him as he will be a balm after the loss of both sons.”

  Jane came in again and soon there was lively conversation and tea. Elizabeth’s heart lifted. Her son had more family to love him and a secure future ahead. She would decide when the Fitwilliams might meet her precious boy.

  If they would love him, she would not keep them from him. But if they treated him as they had her husband, Elizabeth Fitzwilliam would take her son home to Hertfordshire and the Fitzwilliam family could wait until he was a man to know him better.

  Chapter 3

  A week passed in London without word from the Matlocks and Elizabeth fell into a happy routine with Jane and the children. Often the sisters took Rose and Richard to Gracechurch Street where there was very little chance anyone connected to the Fitzwilliam family might see them as they walked about the park.

  The Gardiner children provided many hours of good fun for their young cousins from Hertfordshire and Aunt Madeline took Elizabeth and Jane to Mayfair one afternoon after the children had gone up from luncheon for their naps.

  “How I have missed the two of you since Edward and I last came to Netherfield. Rose and Richard have grown so, it does not seem enough time has passed for them to be four and five years of age.” Aunt Madeline said as she sat opposite her nieces in the carriage.

  Elizabeth worried the lace handkerchief she’d found in a shop the day before. There were two blue birds embroidered upon it and it gave her such delight to inspect the perfect stitches of the avian pair. It was odd, but she often found peace at such times.

  There was a button that had fallen from Richard’s red coat at some point during his war service. The War Office had sent it with his personal effects and she had kept it as a talisman all through the days before her son was delivered. The raised design on the button comforted her as she thought of her husband’s finger touching the same surface she often did.

  That memory did not hurt her now but steeled her resolve to protect their son. Of a sudden, she wished to flee London and never return.

  Jane and Aunt Madeline were chatting about Mayfair and all she wished for was the countryside of Hertfordshire. She did not belong in Town, her life was lived in the small riches of a country life.

  Aunt Madeline called her name and Elizabeth turned away from the window. “I’m sorry, I was not attending.”

  Jane took Elizabeth’s hand. “You must not worry so, Lizzy. The Matlocks cannot take Richard from you. You are his mother and he has been cared for and loved by his entire family all this time.”

  Elizabeth knew her sister spoke the truth. She could not meet the Matlocks with fear in her heart. She must give them the opportunity to reveal the truth of who they were.

  Lady Matlock could prove to be kinder now after the loss of her two sons. But Richard cut her and his father out of his life for a reason. A grown man, and one as kind and brave as her husband, would not behave so over the mundane pressure of matchmaking.

  “Jane, until I meet them, my nerves will give me no relief. Perhaps tomorrow I will ask Charles to contact their solicitors to arrange the meeting. The longer we wait, the worse I imagine they will be.”

  Aunt Madeline agreed. “The waiting is making you more like your mother, Lizzy, and I fear you must not descend to such depths. I do love Franny as my sister, but you are far too wise and possess much strength of character so that this business with the Matlocks cannot be your undoing.”

  Elizabeth sat up straighter and mustered a wry smile. “Such advice should wound me, Aunt Madeline, but it has had the opposite effect. I am obstinate and headstrong. Richard married me and they must come to terms with it as they cannot change the past. The future, however, lies with my son. I will do all that I might to ensure my son’s happiness as a me
mber of their family. ’Tis my duty as his mother.”

  Her purpose clear before her, Elizabeth Fitzwilliam glanced out of the carriage window in time to see the clouds part in the gray London sky. Another omen perhaps? Or only the weather cooperating to lift her spirits. It mattered not. She had come to London at the request of the Fitzwilliam family and she was not an outsider. She was part of their family now, along with her son.

  Uncle Edward offered his arm to his wife in the parlor of their townhome when dinner was announced. His voice rang out to quell the chatter of the Bingleys and their dear Elizabeth. “We will speak of it all over dinner and sort out a plan so that Lizzy does not face them alone.”

  Charles Bingley rose from his seat and assisted his wife as she stood. Elizabeth walked ahead and waited by the door as the Gardiners went through to the dining room. “Jane are you well? You are pale, my dear. Perhaps you should have dinner brought upstairs.”

  Jane waved away her sister’s concern but her husband would not be appeased. “Lizzy, I shall carry her upstairs to your old room. Have a maid bring up a tray, please. I will not allow her to eat alone. Give my apologies to your aunt and uncle.”

  Elizabeth took Jane’s hand as Charles moved through the parlor door. “Rest my dearest, the time is near for this babe to be born.”

  Jane’s brow creased with worry. “But what about tomorrow, Lizzy? I wished to go along for support.”

  Charles and Elizabeth shook their heads in unison. “You will remain home, Jane. Lizzy will likely spend several hours in their company to discuss all that must be settled. I shall go with her and see she is not treated unfairly.”

  Jane relented and Mr. Bingley swept her into his arms. She gave a small squeal of surprise and Elizabeth felt the breath she had been holding leave her. The last thing she could manage was if Jane and the babe were unwell.

  Elizabeth went in to dinner with her aunt and uncle and asked the butler to see that a tray was sent up for the Bingleys. Aunt Gardiner rose from her seat. “I must see to Jane and then I shall return for dinner.”

  “Charles is with her, surely he will come for us if she is truly ill. I believe she is tired from visiting so much.” Elizabeth attempted to reason with her aunt.

  “Menfolk are wonderful for carrying us upstairs, but not for judging whether a lady with child is well. I will only be gone a moment.”

  Uncle Edward watched as his wife sailed expediently from her own dining room. “Let us hope Madeline does not say Jane must stay the night. Now, do you wish for me to go with you on the morrow? ‘Tis short notice, but I may spare most of the afternoon.”

  “Charles has said he will go, Uncle Edward. There is no need to leave your warehouse. Besides, he is acquainted with the Matlocks and perhaps that connection will place them at ease.”

  “Excellent plan, my dear. You may have my presence if Charles is unable with Jane’s situation. Babes have a strange way of upsetting plans.”

  Elizabeth laughed. The birthing of children was an unpredictable event. She recalled the birth of her son. It was a Sunday morning, very early, when her waters broke and the Netherfield household was sent into an orchestrated vigil by Jane’s capable hand.

  Young Richard had come many hours later after Elizabeth ignored the midwife and her orders to stay abed. She had paced her room until she knew every floor board intimately. On what would be the last great pain before Jane and the midwife led her to bed, Elizabeth had hugged her tightened middle and prayed the babe would come soon.

  Uncle Edward touched her hand and Elizabeth startled from her memory. “I’m sorry Uncle, I was recalling the birth of my dear Richard. It is my love for him that gives me such trepidation for tomorrow’s meeting. Were it only me, the Matlocks could go their way and forget their son had ever married. It would matter so little to them.”

  “You cannot believe that, niece. Richard was their son. Could you forget if young Richard grew up and married and felt you could not approve? ‘Tis a terrible thing to have lost their son and the chance to share in his fleeting happiness.”

  Elizabeth had not considered that Richard’s parents might wish to have a connection with her. There was no reason other than the grandson they had yet to meet for such a thing. And she would not reveal his existence at their first meeting.

  “I cannot think this meeting is more than a way to discharge their duty to me as Richard’s widow. Perhaps they shall want to know of his life in Meryton before the war. Some memories to keep against the grief and regret they must surely feel at his loss.”

  Elizabeth’s voice trembled. Thinking of her own son and how horrible a loss it would be to endure, her heart softened for the Matlocks for the first time.

  Uncle Edward left his seat to kneel beside hers. “Lizzy, we do not know what tomorrrow shall bring, but I do know you will do all that you might to offer them comfort. Who shall comfort you?”

  Elizabeth would not cry. “I have grieved for him, Uncle Edward. He was a good man and we loved one another, but I have our son to raise. Richard and I had not enough years and young Richard shall never know him. For that I am sad. But life demands we go forward. I will honor his memory tomorrow for his parent’s sake.”

  Aunt Madeline entered then and stopped as she saw the display of her husband on one knee. “Is Lizzy well? I do have enough rooms to keep all of you with me this night.”

  Uncle Edward stood and Elizabeth gave a shaky laugh at her aunt’s soft threat. “I am well, Aunt Madeline. Come, let us eat so that I might go home with Charles and Jane tonight and rest in my bed at Bingley House.”

  Chapter 4

  Elizabeth sat in the carriage outside Matlock House regretting the small meal Jane had insisted she eat that morning as her stomach turned and twisted. Charles stood expectantly at the carriage door with his hand out for hers. “Come Lizzy, we must go inside before this miserable rain soaks through my greatcoat.”

  Charles smiled confidently as Elizabeth placed her hand in his and left the safe harbor of the Bingley carriage. The time had come to visit the ghost of her husband’s past.

  Taking Charles’s arm, she walked carefully up the steps of Matlock House and waited as Charles lifted the brass knocker. The door was wide and painted a deep, midnight shade of blue, only a few shades darker than the color of her son’s eyes.

  A butler swept open the door and welcomed them. In moments, Elizabeth and Charles were escorted into the long parlor one flight up the stairs. All heads turned as they were announced and Elizabeth was surprised to find Mr. Darcy rising to stand at their arrival.

  She kept her eyes on him for a moment, a familiar face in a room made cold by much more than the steady rain now thrashing against the windows of the parlor.

  A maid entered as an air of charged tension filled the room. Elizabeth watched as she tended the fire and lit another lamp near the desk where the Matlock solicitor sat.

  When she had gone, a man of Mr. Bingley’s height crossed the room and stood before them. He turned when he realized his wife had not followed. “Margaret please come. Do not leave our guests waiting.”

  The regal woman who must be Margaret Fitzwilliam stood and moved reluctantly to her husband’s side. Elizabeth could see the resemblance to her son and fought the urge to place a hand over her mouth.

  Richard had gotten his height from his father but he had been his mother’s son in appearance. Elizabeth could only stare and give a small curtsey to her son’s grandparents.

  When Lady Matlock pinned her with an icy blue stare that matched young Richard’s perfectly, Elizabeth found her voice. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Matlock. Richard spoke often of you.”

  Elizabeth saw the mask of indifference shift for only a moment before moving confidently back in place. “Shall we be seated? I do not expect our meeting to last more than an hour.”

  As the lady turned and made her way back to her seat, the Earl of Matlock gave a pained smile. “Thank you for coming today, Elizabeth.”

&nb
sp; His use of her Christian name endeared the man to her, but Elizabeth could not think of how to respond to the unexpected welcome given in a nearly hushed whisper. Before she might answer him, Reginald Fitzwilliam turned on his heel and went to sit with his wife.

  Mr. Darcy greeted Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth as they made their way across the room. “Charles, how long have you been in Town? I have not seen you at the club.”

  “Only a fortnight, Darcy. Jane and I are expecting another child soon and I spend the evenings with her.” Charles replied without any warmth.

  Elizabeth found herself a bit surprised by her brother’s behavior. For all their differences, Mr. Darcy had once been his best friend.

  Mr. Darcy turned his gaze to her, his discomfort plain on his face. An awkward silence followed as his mouth opened and closed several times. It seemed he was at a loss for words. At last he managed to speak. “I was not aware you had married my cousin.”

  “Richard would have told you, but I think he did not wish for his parents to know,” Elizabeth’s voice faltered.

  Mr Darcy nodded in understanding before giving a slight bow. “It is lovely to see you again Miss…er…Elizabeth.”

  Her name sounded strange on his tongue and the hitch in his voice as he spoke it confused her. His voice betrayed a depth of emotion she had not expected. He and the colonel must have been quite close.

  “Likewise, Mr. Darcy,” she said before Charles led her to a seat and the solicitor began his pronouncements.

  “Mrs. Fitzwilliam, the War Office has provided the information that you are the widow of Colonel Richard Purvis James Fitzwilliam. As such, there is a settlement due you by his parents, the Earl and Lady Matlock. A townhome here in London will be offered rather than a monetary settlement.”

  Mr. Bingley turned to Elizabeth and whispered his thoughts. “While I am certain the home in Town is most generous, you must insist upon a stipend.”