Page 77 of A Different Impression

Though pleased by his friend’s newfound diligence, Darcy advised caution when Bingley asked whether he ought to purchase Netherfield.

“You would do well to wait before making such a decision,” Darcy said. “Extend the lease if you wish, but do not bind yourself permanently to Netherfield yet.”

“Do you still consider me so fickle?” Bingley protested. “Do you believe me capable of leaving Jane—I mean, Miss Bennet?”

“That is not my concern. You may be unaware of everything that has occurred at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet now resides in the dower house, and relations within the family have become strained. Elizabeth has been deeply hurt by both her parents, and I cannot say whether Jane would wish to settle so near Longbourn should she eventually accept you.”

Bingley’s expression became thoughtful.

“That is a matter I had not considered,” he admitted.

“Nor need you decide it now. You have not yet obtained Jane’s forgiveness, much less her consent to a courtship. Do not choose an estate upon the assumption that she will marry you.”

“No,” Bingley said soberly. “I have already presumed too much upon her affection. If she eventually accepts me, I shall ask what she desires before making any permanent decision.”

His answer satisfied Darcy. During the following weeks, Bingley continued to demonstrate the same patience and constancy, and Jane’s manner towards him gradually became warmer.

Richard had likewise made no formal request to court Charlotte, but his preference had become impossible for Darcy to overlook. His cousin called at Darcy House nearly every day and invariably contrived to spend much of each visit beside her. Richard’s guarded remarks over port revealed little, but Elizabeth had told Darcy that Charlotte remained uncertain whether his attentions would lead to anything more—particularly as their time together in London was drawing to an end.

The reminder of their approaching departure came early in May. One morning, Darcy was conducting his customary conversation with their unborn child when Elizabeth suddenly gasped. Alarm seized him when he raised his head and discovered tears gathering in her eyes.

“What is the matter, dearest?”

“Oh, Will, I felt it—the fluttering my aunt told me to expect.” Wonder transformed her expression as she grasped his hand. “Our child moved.”

Darcy’s throat tightened, and tears blurred his own vision. “Our child?”

She nodded eagerly. “It was only the faintest movement, but I am certain.”

“My Elizabeth, how I love you.” He kissed her tenderly before returning his hands to the small swell of her abdomen. Awe swept through him as he considered the life growing beneath his palms. “Did your aunt say when I might feel it as well?”

“Not for a little while yet, I believe.”

Darcy lowered his head and pressed a kiss to the curve that remained concealed beneath her gowns.

“You will have a most wonderful mama, my child,” he murmured. “She and I look forward to meeting you in a few short months. If you are a son, we shall teach you to become an excellent master of Pemberley—and, I hope, a good elder brother. If you are a daughter, perhaps you will have your mother’s lovely eyes and lively disposition. Whoever you are, we shall love you and teach you to respect and care for those around you. You could have no better example than your mother.”

Elizabeth placed her hands over his. “And you will have an excellent papa. He is a good man and will teach you well, regardless of whether you are a son or daughter.”

He returned to her and cradled her face between his hands, brushing away her tears with his thumbs. “I love you, Elizabeth.”

Their celebration of the happy moment caused them to arrive exceedingly late to breakfast. The knowing looks cast in their direction suggested that their guests could guess the reason for the delay, even if none yet knew the particular joy they intended to announce.

After breakfast, Darcy and Elizabeth retired to the study to plan a family dinner for the following evening. Elizabeth wrote invitations to the Gardiners and Matlocks, whilst Darcy sent a note to Mr Bennet and Mary, inviting them to come from Hertfordshire and remain for several days.

Once the invitations had been dispatched, Darcy left upon an errand he had no intention of revealing to his wife. He visited a jeweller and commissioned a piece to commemorate the first movement of their child. Although Elizabeth possessed the Darcy jewels and wore his mother’s ring, he wished to give her something chosen expressly for her and associated only with this moment in their marriage.

Upon his return, he learnt that the Gardiners and Matlocks had accepted their invitations. Elizabeth was already discussing the dinner arrangements with the housekeeper, but later joined him in his study.

“My dear William, I am torn about including my father in our announcement,” she confessed. “Part of me almost wishes he would refuse and send Mary alone.”

Darcy set aside the letter he had been reading and gave her his full attention.

“I no longer know how to behave towards him,” she continued. “I thought I had begun to understand why his conduct hurt me so deeply, but knowing he is coming here has stirred it all up again. I cannot help wondering whether he ever valued me for myself—or only for what I could provide him.”

Darcy rose, drew Elizabeth from her chair, and settled her upon his lap when he sat again.

“I know you love your father, dearest, and that his conduct has caused you to question the affection you believed he bore you. You fear that he valued your company only whilst it was convenient and abandoned it when he found companionship elsewhere.”