Выбрать главу

“Yes. It will be a delight to have him at Pemberley. Georgiana was thrilled at the news of Miss Kitty and Miss Mary visiting. Additionally, I must also remember to thank Miss Mary for being a typically strong-willed Bennet and prevailing upon Mr. Daniels to join them.”

“And Mama?” she asked with a twinkle.

“Please, dearest, do not tease me so. I am sorry I cannot claim affection for your mother, but I am reservedly pleased to have her as a guest. I am even preparing myself to magnanimously accept the inevitably ebullient commentary regarding Pemberley's well-appointed rooms and expensive furnishings!” Lizzy laughed, Darcy continuing with a mischievous gleam, “In all likelihood it is you, my heart, who will reap the greatest joy from your mother's enthusiasm with a plethora of maternal advice and assistance.”

Lizzy playfully slapped his knee. “Beast! Watch your tongue, Mr. Darcy, or I shall inform her that you are hopelessly inept and require comprehensive instruction in basic parenting skills!”

Darcy winced. “Very well, madam, you win. While we are on the subject of your family, I have a thought that I wish for your opinion on. I had the notion of sending the coach to Hertfordshire for your family's transportation. With five now traveling and the weather unpredictable, I thought it may be more comfortable, not to mention safer. However, I was unsure what vehicles Mr. Bennet possessed, having only seen the landau, and I would never wish to offend by extending the offer. What do you think?”

Lizzy thought carefully, answering with deliberation, “Papa owns nothing remotely as grand as the coach, to be sure. In truth, he would probably be mildly offended if the offer came from you. If, on the other hand, it is my idea and I express my concern for Mama's nerves while traveling to the far colder regions of Derbyshire, I think he would be placated. Anything to divert a paroxysm of nerves during a daylong carriage ride will be welcomed, I can assure you! He may be slightly embarrassed, but his thankfulness will outweigh.” She smiled at her spouse, beckoning him forward for a tender kiss. “You are the soul of kindness, William. Thank you.”

Darcy blushed faintly. “It is a simple thing, Elizabeth. To change the topic, the birth announcements should be ready in a day or two. I have compiled a short list of friends and family to notify and Mr. Keith will send them once they arrive. The list is on the bed stand for you to peruse for accuracy as well as the envelopes for you to personally address. The post was extensive today. I received a missive from Richard as well stating he will be spending Christmas with his parents.” He smiled happily, glancing a kiss to her temple. “And you sent the invitation to the Gardiners, yes?” She nodded. “It is rapidly transpiring into a full house of guests after all.”

Lizzy frowned. “As delightful as it is to have family about, I do not want Alexander exposed to an endless parade of people handling him.”

“I emphatically agree. We will be cautious. They can gaze upon his adorable face as he lays here in his cradle or wait until he wakes. By the way, I spoke with Reverend Bertram this afternoon and scheduled the christening for the Sunday following Christmas. Nearly all the family will be here so it is perfect, do you agree?”

“Absolutely.” She peered up at his face with a grin. “That gives you one month to rethink naming him 'William' rather than 'Fitzwilliam.'”

“I do not need to contemplate the subject any further. There are enough 'Fitzwilliams' in this family. Annabella named her son Fitzwilliam and Anne can do the same if she wishes. That should appease tradition.”

“What about appeasing Lady Catherine? She will be devastated.”

“Perhaps it is time she learned to deal with disappointment, and do not pretend you are overly concerned for Lady Catherine's sensibilities, Mrs. Darcy. We have discussed it with serious reflection and I am satisfied with the names chosen. They are strong names all and pay tribute to those dearest to us as well as fulfilling tradition.” He competently transferred the limp baby from shoulder to nestle in the crook of his arm, Lizzy tucking the blanket over naked feet after a kiss to tiny toes.

Darcy resumed, “Reverend Bertram is thrilled, as you can imagine. I tried to convince him we are planning a simple ceremony, but I have a suspicion he anticipates the whole of Derbyshire to arrive.”

“And an angelic benediction for the heir to Pemberley?”

“Perhaps. He began talking about rearranging benches and clearing sections of the balcony.” Darcy laughed, shaking his head. “My caution was unheeded. At least the chapel will be sparkling clean for the occasion. He did ask who we had named as godparents.”

“You told him the Bingleys, obviously.”

“Yes. He was concerned that we had not decided on the third godparent.”

“We have time, love. I have a very strong suspicion the choice you wish for will soon be available. Be patient and trust.”

“Words of faith and conviction coming from my wife?”

“Your strong beliefs are rubbing off on me, Mr. Darcy.” She reached for a light kiss to his nose, Darcy chuckling.

“Mrs. Reynolds requested a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss a few Christmas issues. Nothing too intense, as I have expressed our wish to proceed as last year. The groundsmen are already amassing piles of holly and mistletoe, and although I do not know this for cert, I imagine the maids are fabricating new kissing balls to ensnare the unmarried footmen. With so much scheming I wonder how any of them complete any real work over the holiday season.”

“If my memory serves, the servants were not the only Pemberley inhabitants to profit from strategically located mistletoe. In fact, I clearly recollect you reaping the benefits, sir.” Darcy grinned in happy remembrance, meeting his wife's eyes with a lusty twinkle. “New topic… I talked to Georgiana regarding delivering the tenant gift packages this year. She stammered a bit, but was agreeable. Perhaps Mary and Kitty can accompany her for moral support! By the way, your shy sister asked me to request a favor of you.”

Darcy glanced over with raised brow. “She was too timid to speak with me personally?”

“Listen and you will understand. The invitation for the Cole's Masque arrived three days ago, as you are aware. Naturally we cannot attend, or at least I cannot.”

“I certainly will not be attending without you,” he declared firmly. “It is a pity. The image of you in my arms dancing the waltz is most appealing.”

Lizzy smiled and chuckled. “Listen to you, Mr. Darcy! Suddenly so desirous of dancing and socializing! Who is this man I am now married to?”

“The same selfish one from years past, who wishes to squire the most beautiful woman in all England on his arm, spreading envy amongst the unfortunate, and increasing his arrogance. However, we already know my faults. You were speaking of Georgiana.”

“Simply put, Georgiana expressed an interest in attending this year. While on tour with the Matlocks she danced at a handful of social engagements and enjoyed herself immensely; however, she knows how strict you are about the rules of officially 'coming out' and feared your censure.”

Darcy was frowning, lips pursed in thought. “I did not know of her dancing while in Wales. Did she fear sharing this with me?”

“Only in the sense that she did not desire to disappoint you or incur your anxiety over her well-being. She knows how worried you were over Lord Gruffudd and abhors causing you any pain. She yet harbors guilt over the Ramsgate affair, to the degree of hurting you and earning your disrespect.”

Darcy sighed deeply, speaking roughly, “I never blamed her for any of that and made my thoughts perfectly clear.”

“She knows this, dearest, but her love for you is so great as to yearn only to please you. Surely you understand how tremendously high her esteem for you? You are all she has had in her latter years to admire and emulate.”