“Until you.” His countenance softened. “Thank you, Elizabeth, for being a friend and sister to Georgie. What do you deem wise regarding her attending the Masque?”
“Well, assuming she can be properly chaperoned by either the Matlocks or Richard, and since it is a local affair, I do not think it untoward for her to attend. The invitation did include her name, after all. Of course, I do not claim to be fully versed in all the finer nuances of high society, but if Lord and Lady Matlock allowed her to dance at balls while touring, it should not be an issue here in Derbyshire.”
“I suppose I agree. An engagement or two over the winter will in no way effect her appearance at Court and formal admission to society at Almack's in the spring. Perhaps Miss Mary, Mr. Daniels, and Miss Kitty can attend as well. I can request Sir Cole include them on the guest list.”
Lizzy laughed. “Unless her personality has drastically changed with the advent of love and impending matrimony, Mary hates balls and would likely cringe at the idea. Kitty, of course, is another matter entirely. Should I inform Georgie of your agreement or will you?”
“I will talk to her. I judge it the appropriate time for us to have an earnest brother-sister chat. If you do not object to my absence for an afternoon, I think I will escort her to luncheon and shopping in Matlock. It has been a while since we spent quality hours together and I am sure she has merchandise requirements, for Christmas if nothing personal.”
“That is a brilliant plan! You should invite her for tomorrow since the roads have cleared and we have a spell of moderate weather. I can meet with Mrs. Reynolds. It is past time for Alexander and I to move beyond the top floor, is that not right, my darling?” She brought his miniature feet to her mouth for delectable nibbles, the deeply sleeping infant not even flinching. “Want to see the billiard room where you will be spending so much of your time, sweetheart? How about your papa's study? He sleeps like you, William, in a comatose state.”
“It is the satisfied sleep of one who is utterly loved, and well sated, although for variant reasons.” He kissed the top of her head. “Should we lay him down for now and join the others in the music room? Georgiana has a new song she wishes to perform for you.”
“Yes, I suppose. Oh! It is just so hard to leave him!”
“Mrs. Hanford says he will have more awake hours as he grows, but for now sleep is crucial for his health. I do not imagine he would sleep as deeply being passed around and with the pianoforte pounding in the background.”
Darcy rose, laying Alexander cautiously into the cradle to avoid waking, but the contented infant merely stretched, emitting a smattering of baby gurgles before resuming his pose of tranquil slumber. The blanket was smoothed and another added, both parents transfixed for another few minutes before Mrs. Hanford was notified and they departed.
Talking about Reverend Bertram's concerns over the third godparent was the impetus Darcy needed to finally make a decision and take action as he should have done weeks ago.
The selection of an infant's godparents was a solemn task undertaken with the utmost seriousness. The responsibilities of the adults who willingly assumed this role were critical and never taken lightly. On down through the ages the Church-instituted custom of assigning mature persons, at least two of whom must be the same sex as the infant, was approached with deep forethought. A godparent's place in the child's life was a vital one. He or she was ascribed the honored task of ensuring that the innocent babe grew strong in the tenets of faith, assisting in the teaching of Christianity as essential to one's existence so that one day the aware youth would consciously declare his belief in Christ for full salvation. Logically, therefore, the godparent needed to be a man or woman of faith themselves and in close enough proximity to the youth during his formative years.
The godparent was not a legal guardian, that station ascribed for variant reasons, although they could be deemed so if all parties wished it. In Georgiana's case guardianship had been granted to the two men closest to her who were the most mature yet also youthful and financially stable. James Darcy had stipulated in his will that if his son could not fulfill the duties of Master of Pemberley and primary guardian for any reason, the estate would be managed by Col. Fitzwilliam until Georgiana married.
However, since financial and physical well-being was not an obligation of the godparent, the role was not dependent on wealth, blood, or station. Thus, Georgiana's godparents were her brother, Aunt Madeline, and Mrs. Reynolds.
Fitzwilliam James Alexander Darcy was baptized by Reverend Bertram in the Pemberley Chapel thirty years prior with his proud parents flanked by James Darcy Sr., Mr. Henry Vernor, and Anne's sister Lady Muriel Griffin.
Naturally not all families placed extreme importance on the selection of godparents. The amount of prudence undertaken was directly correlated to the depth of religious faith within the family. In the case of the Darcys, faith was a major facet in their day-to-day lives, so the decision was seriously contemplated. Lizzy may not have been as strongly adherent to religion as her husband, but she certainly understood the importance to him and the prerequisite of choosing wisely. For several weeks prior to Alexander's birth they had discussed the options. Although they had felt strongly that their firstborn would be male, they still had to consider the alternative. They gravely considered everyone they knew, but their hearts and sound deduction inevitably returned to two names that without any doubt they knew to be perfect—the Bingleys always the clear front runners.
The Darcys were content with the Bingleys as chosen godparents. It truly had been an obvious choice and despite the formality demanded, neither had suspected a refusal. The choice for the third godparent transpired with far more circumspection and surprise. Georgiana was the easily agreed upon godmother, if their child had been a female. It is not that several other female family members and friends would not be wise choices, but the relationship between Darcy and his sister was simply too devoted to seriously contemplate naming another.
But the question of whom to name as the second male godfather had been a topic of debate for months. The Darcys had considered everyone, and with the wealth of upstanding, devoted male friends Darcy possessed, the answer was challenging because the choices were so numerous! A man of lesser character and meager religious convictions would not have struggled so, but this does not describe Darcy, so he agonized over the proper course.
Oddly, and to the surprise of them both, George's name gradually entered the mix and with each passing week the desire grew stronger. Initially Darcy was frankly stunned that he would even consider the option. Yes, he knew by this time that his uncle was strong of faith and not the moral reprobate he had assumed, but his capriciousness did not really qualify him for the post of godfather. However, this too seemed to be waning as his “holiday” was taking on a decidedly permanent air. Darcy, as typical, studied the idea from every angle. He approached the concept clinically and with logic, yet his heart continued to interfere.
Therefore, in a bold move not conventionally like Darcy, he decided to confront his vacillating uncle. It was long past time for honest communication and blunt ultimatums. Therefore, a few days after Alexander's birth and while a weary wife and son were sleeping, Darcy sought out his uncle, who was, not shockingly, reclining in the library.
In Darcy's chair. With long legs stretched onto a cushioned ottoman.
“Perhaps I should write to Mr. Chippendale and request he make an identical chair.”