Every time I start to worry about the future, I look at your smiling face, and I think that you are the most amazing person I know, and then I remember that you chose me. Of all the men you could have married, you chose me. I cannot imagine a higher honor. I cannot imagine a greater happiness than I feel with you, right now. I know I will only become happier—I always do and I am always surprised by it.
But truly, darling, you are a wonder, and you will be the best mother a child could wish for. How could you not? You are kind and compassionate and patient. You are good at everything you attempt to do. Motherhood will be no different. You will be magnificent; just as you learned to be the Mistress of Pemberley, so too will you learn to be a wonderful mother. Though I am sure you already know a great deal.
You do all the voices when you read to your young cousins and you are genuinely curious about their lives and interests. These qualities will serve you well with our own child. You will see, my love.
You are beginning to stir from your nap. You lay on our bed, your hair a tangle about you, breathing softly. You are so beautiful, my sweet. I will cease singing your praises now and join you.
Your Enamored Husband,
Fitzwilliam
Boxing Day, 1816
Fitzwilliam,
Do you not think you are being a little ridiculous? I only wished to walk about the garden. I was not attempting to ride a stallion in the snow! I know that you are protective of me and the babe, and I love you for it, but I am not a bird you may lock in a cage for your amusement. I know what I am capable of withstanding, and a walk in the garden will hardly cause me harm.
Do cease being such a worrywart!
E
Elizabeth,
I know you do not like it, but I cannot allow you to walk alone in the garden in the middle of winter. The ground is icy and slippery, and were you to fall, you could harm yourself or the babe. If you will but be patient, I will happily escort you.
Fitzwilliam
Mr. Darcy!
You cannot allow me?Allowme!! I am not a child and you are not my father. Will you allow me to eat dinner this evening? Will you allow me to choose my morning gown? Will you allow me to give birth when the time comes? Please, do enlighten me on all the things I am and am not allowed to do. I would hate to step out of line with my lord and master.
E
Elizabeth,
You are feeling the effects of carrying a babe and are overwrought. I am simply concerned for your welfare. If you consider carefully, I believe you will see the truth.
FD
Elizabeth,
Your maid is very loyal, I will give her that. She has refused steadfastly to tell me where you are, but she did agree to give you this note. After finding my last torn into shreds on your desk, I understand that you are angrier than I thought.
My dear, I did not mean to upset you, truly. I was only concerned for you and the babe. Looking back on our conversation, I see where I erred. I should have spoken more clearly and with kinder words. Of course you are not a child! I did not mean to treat you as such. I meant to say that I would be more at ease if you would walk with an escort, that is all.
Please forgive me. I am sorry.
Your Husband
Fitzwilliam,
I am spending the night away from our chambers. I need time for my ire to cool. I will endeavor to speak to you tomorrow.
E
Elizabeth,
Please join me for breakfast. It is not the same without you.
