William was gratified that so much attention shifted to little Andy, just now three months old. He was blond like his mother and—at this stage of his life—had the deep blue Fitzwilliam eyes.
Little Andy was a pleasant and cheerful babe who would gurgle happily when anyone gave him attention—which was almost constantly when he was awake. The only time he would fuss was when he was tired, if he was hungry, or was wet or soiled—then he would display an impressive set of lungs for one so small.
After Andy drank hungrily from his mother, Nurse put him over her shoulder and he emitted an impressive belch, after which Nurse put him down for a nap in his cot. Although he let out one or two little whines to protest being put down, within a minute he was fast asleep.
“Jane, he is a delight,” Elizabeth said quietly as she stood next to her sister in the nursery as they watched Jane’s son sleep.
“It is my opinion as well, Lizzy, and of course I am not at all biased,” Jane stated smiling.
“If you and my brother did not feel thusly, it would be scandalous,” Elizabeth teased.
“He is so lucky to be surrounded by so much love, is he not?” Jane stated with pride as she watched her babe sleep. “You have become close with your Grandmama Sarah, have you not, Lizzy?”
“All of the family has, but yes, I have as well. After her mourning period ended, she accompanied me to teas and to my other grandparents a few times, but she eschews society now,” Elizabeth reported. “I think when she came to realise fully the cost of chasing the approval of society as her husband demanded, she decided to live her life quietly and enjoy her children and me as much as she is able. Despite multiple requests, she has refused to return as a patroness of Almack’s. The rest of the patronesses stated they will hold her position open for the next Countess of Jersey—if she desires the position.”
“Talking about the next Lady Jersey, does Wes still pay particular attention to Mary?” Jane asked.
“He does. As you know, Mary will be sixteen the day after the assembly, which is why Mama and Papa are allowing her to attend as ‘out locally.’ Wes wanted to have three sets with our Mary, but Papa will only allow two because of her age,” Elizabeth informed her sister. “I am not sure who was more disappointed, Wes or Mary.”
“Papa is allowing you three sets with William, is he not?” Jane asked with arched eyebrow.
“Mary brought up the same point, and Papa explained that I am weeks away from being eighteen and coming out, even though my coming out will be vastly different than my sister’s,” Elizabeth averred.
“Well do I know it. We only had to curtsy; you will have a full day with your royal grandmother and then your ball will be at St. James Palace,” Jane enumerated. “Mama told me His Majesty will start the first with you, then your father and your Uncle George, and only then Papa will have the second dance of the first set with you.”
“William and I spoke last night,” Elizabeth stated shyly. “You know why Uncle Robert accepted the elevation, do you not?”
“Yes, we have been told,” Jane replied. “Now that I am a parent, I understand Uncle Robert’s actions much better.” Elizabeth gave her sister a questioning look. “When you have your own child, Lizzy, you will understand the absolute unwavering love you will have for him or her. You will move heaven and earth to keep your child from sadness, even if that includes accepting a title you refused more than once so your son will be allowed to marry his beloved.”
“Jane, I did not know I could love a man as much as I do William,” Elizabeth stated dreamily. “My heart races whenever he is near, and when he is not with me it seems as if half of my heart is missing.”
“That, sister dearest, is the epitome of love.” Jane gave her sister a hug. The two looked into the cot one more time and then departed to prepare for the upcoming assembly.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The Prince was sitting in his study at Purvis Lodge prior to making the short journey to Netherfield Park so the whole group could travel to the assembly together. “Captain Tremaine, this Bingley woman is—I believe—unstable. You will have the Princess under guard the whole time, will you not?”
“We will, your Royal Highness,” the Captain returned smartly. “There will be ten men in regular dress who will help even up the numbers of women to men at the assembly. At least two of them will be near her Royal Highness at all times. In addition to those selected for that duty, there will be a contingent of twenty uniformed guards around the perimeter of the assembly hall.”
“Your plans are sound, Tremaine,” the Prince approved. “If that shrew defies her brother and arrives and is aggressive in any way, I do not care what you have to do to her, as long as my daughter and the rest of the participants are unharmed,” the Prince instructed.
Happy every precaution that could be taken would be implemented; the Prince dismissed the Captain charged with overseeing Elizabeth’s security. In addition, both Biggs and Johns would be inside the hall, stationed in opposite corners. At his own peril would a man—or woman—believe them slow and lumbering.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Lucas Wickham was most impressed. Over the last two years, his son had become the man the father had always wished he would. George had become as honest as the day was long, and his work ethic was second to none.
He was as diligent in his studies as he was at work. George was close to completing his first year of school. His results at school were as impressive as his work. Now that he was applying his intelligence for good rather than in nefarious schemes, he had come close to full marks on each of his tests and exams.
It warmed his father’s heart to see the man his son was now; he did not recognise him as the one who had stolen from the carpenter in York. Thankfully, any last vestiges of his mother’s bad influence had been excised and had held no sway over George for some time now.
Mr. Darcy—His Grace—gave his steward an extra week’s holiday to spend with his son. Even though George could afford to rent his own place, he chose to stay at Mr. Gardiner’s house for the one pound per month. As he explained to his father, it allowed him to save as much as possible—which he turned over to Mr. Gardiner to invest for him—and he had society when he and others in the house wanted some company.
Another change was that George had friends, genuine and true friends. He had become close with two of the clerks who also resided at the house and like him had no local family. Before these two friends, George had an easy time making friends, but had never been able to retain them as it had been his wont to use them for his own selfish or avaricious purposes. He had learnt to give more than what he took.
Some months earlier, George visited his father at Pemberley for the first time since he departed for his ill-fated apprenticeship. Not only was he welcomed at the estate, he and his father were invited to the manor house for a meal. His Grace told George how proud he was of the man he had become.
Even after the elevation, George felt no envy. It did not take long for George to see—even though it was not what he was looking for—the advantages of being a friend of the Darcys.
