Bingley looked up as Caroline entered the drawing room. “Excellent,” he said pleasantly. “We may set off at once. I am very much looking forward to the evening.”
“Indeed, Charles, I cannot say my expectations are high,” Caroline replied. She glanced about the room, her brow tightening slightly. “Where is Mr. Darcy, or has he already determined the evening beneath his notice?”
Bingley laughed softly. “Not at all. He had other matters to attend to. Come, we should not keep the company waiting.”
Caroline regarded him coolly. “Other matters? In a county he has scarcely entered? How very… industrious of him.”
Bingley rose and retrieved his gloves from the table. “I do not make a habit of questioning Darcy in such matters.”
Mr. Hurst stood and offered his arm to his wife. “Shall we go, then?”
Caroline took up her shawl, though her expression suggested she was far from satisfied.
***
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief when Mrs. Potter opened the door. Mr. Darcy followed close behind her.
Mrs. Potter nodded politely to Elizabeth, "How is Mrs. Smith progressing?"
Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Darcy and then responded in a low voice "Her pains appear to be coming faster."
"Well, be best if you could get some towels and boil some water." She hurried into the back room."
Elizabeth sat down next to Emma and gave her a reassuring smile. Several minutes pass in which more cries were heard.
Mrs. Potter stepped into the main room. Darcy and Elizabeth were seated at the table, Emma nestled against Elizabeth, struggling to keep her eyes open as she nodded sleepily.
“Well, it should not be much longer,” Mrs. Potter announced, pouring herself a cup of coffee from the kettle on the stove. “But Mrs. Smith should not be left alone.”
Elizabeth adjusted her hold on Emma. “Of course not. Millie will remain here tonight and tomorrow. We will send someone to relieve her in the morning.”
“Ah, now that is good news,” Mrs. Potter said, smiling. “Very good news.” She turned and returned to the bedchamber.
Elizabeth glanced toward Mr. Darcy. “I am most grateful for your assistance, Mr. Darcy, but you need not remain.”
Darcy smiled slightly. “I brought Mrs. Potter here. “I could hardly leave her to walk two miles back to Netherfield, particularly after dark.”
Elizabeth gave a soft laugh. “No, I do not think she would thank you for that. You have been of great service to us. Will your friends at Netherfield not wonder what has become of you?”
He shook his head. “They know I am safe. By now, they will be at the assembly.”
Elizabeth's lips curved wryly. “Ah yes, the assembly. My mother will be quite displeased that I did not attend. I suspect it will be much discussed tomorrow, and for many days after.”
Darcy allowed himself a brief laugh. “That sounds rather ominous. Will your mother not understand that you were assisting someone in need?”
“My priorities do not always align with my mother’s,” Elizabeth said, shifting Emma slightly. “But are you not expected at the assembly as well?”
Darcy shrugged lightly. “I confess I do not regret missing it. I am not at ease in large company, particularly among strangers. I should likely spend the evening pacing about and appearing excessively grave.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Truly? You would rather miss it?”
Darcy rose and held out his arms. Elizabeth carefully passed Emma to him. He began to walk slowly about the room, the child settling easily against his shoulder.
“You have no idea,” he said quietly.
Elizabeth watched a moment, surprised at how readily Emma settled in his arms.
At that moment, the cry of a newborn filled the cottage.
