J Dawn King...Forgotten

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Thank you so much for letting me drop by at the last minute, Janet. You are always so gracious. I brought some goodies for you: a basket of assorted pastries, two different brands of tea, and a lovely Brown Betty teapot. I hope you have time for a visit…and a short story I’ve resurrected from last year’s archives. If you will turn on the kettle, I’ll sort the pastries into your favorites and mine. Why don’t I read my story aloud so you do not have to interrupt your tasks? Would you mind?

It is my pleasure to have you drop by anytime and ohh, the goodies look delicious! Thank you so much for bringing them. What an adorable teapot! I will be very happy for you to sort the pastries for us while I rinse the teapot and get the tea on. Then I would absolutely be delighted for you to read your story aloud. What fun!

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FORGOTTEN!

Darcy was uncertain what it was that woke him from a sound slumber. His mind was filled with impressions as he opened his eyes. It was the master’s bed chamber at Pemberley. The sun had risen. And, there was a woman snuggled next to him. A woman!

He pulled his head back to see who had infiltrated his private sanctuary and found dark curls that his left hand had somehow entangled themselves in. His right arm was positioned underneath the woman’s head and his hand was… well, his hand was where it ought not to be. His body stiffened in panic; his movement waking the woman. What should he do now?

“William?” the woman muttered.

He knew that voice. He was sharing his bed with Miss Elizabeth Bennet!  His mind raced as it screamed for answers. How had she gotten from Hunsford to Pemberley? She had, only the night before, refused his offer of marriage. Why is she now here? How is she here now?

He could feel panic rising in his chest and it threatened to squeeze the breath out of him.

Elizabeth must have sensed his discomfort because she turned in his arms and faced him.

“Fitzwilliam, are you well?” She reached her hand up and soothed his brow. “My love, how can I help you?” She had never seen her husband in this condition. All that life had thrown at him since their marriage, he had handled with ease. Yesterday’s accident resulting in a small bump to his head surely had not caused him this amount of distress. The doctor had said that there might be some memory loss, but it would most likely be a quick recovery.

“We are married?”

“Yes, dear, we are. We have been married these nine years.”

“You share my bed?”

“Every night of those nine years, William.”

“Have we children?”

“We have two sons. Richard is seven years and Henry is five.”

“I named my heir after my cousin?” He was incredulous; even more so than waking to find he had married Elizabeth Bennet.

“You did, William.”

“Why?” Darcy was completely confused. Certainly, he had deep regard for his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. However it was the custom of the Darcy’s to name the first born after the family name of the mother of the child. His firstborn should have been named Bennet Darcy.

Darcy was unaware that his hand continued to stroke his wife’s hair. Apparently his body remembered what his mind had forgotten.

Lizzy chuckled. “My love, I have never been told all of the details of your agreement with the colonel, but he is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam no more and our son is named for him. Richard retired his commission and is married to a lovely woman with a strong hand that only just prevented their first son from becoming Fitzwilliam George Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy shook his head, completely perplexed by the events of the morning.

“You have several times called me “my love”. You love me?”

“More than my life, dear man.”

“And, we have two sons?”

“Yes, the same two boys as when you asked me but a moment ago.”

“And, what of Georgiana?” His mind easily pictured the shy, reticent fifteen-year-old whose heart was crushed after Wickham tried to elope with her. He wondered if she ever recovered.

“She is here at Pemberley and is an excellent aunt to our sons.”

His mind added the years of his marriage to the last he remembered of his sister. When he realized she had long passed her majority, he wondered that she was still in residence in his home.

“She is not married?”

“No, she is not yet married. Though, your frantic ride on that ridiculous stallion after her heart’s desire asked you for her hand yesterday might have resulted in your fall.”

“I fell of a horse? Impossible!” He reached up and soon found the lump on the back of his head; evidence that he might be wrong.

Elizabeth did not answer, but her right brow lifted. Darcy imagined it was a look that was often required for their boys.

“I fail to understand this, Elizabeth.” He thought for a moment. “I… I am pleased that we are wed and we have been blessed with children. I am also content that Georgiana has found someone to love and that she does not still suffer over Wickham. Why, though, would I not be pleased over her choice of a husband?”

“Because, my husband, it was George Wickham who asked for her hand in marriage.”

Two things happened at once. Darcy sat straight up in the bed while exclaiming, “WHAT!”, and he felt the immediate impact of the blow he had sustained during his ride the day before. He quickly laid back down. His mind was in turmoil. As the moments passed, vestiges of memory returned and started piecing themselves together.

George Wickham running off with Miss Lydia Bennet.

Hunting them down and forcing them to wed.

Returning to Longbourn to ask for Elizabeth’s hand.

Their wedding day.

The birth of their sons.

The purchase of that infernal colt.

Receiving the express from Longbourn that Lydia had run off with another officer and the two had perished in a coaching accident not far from Newcastle.

Wickham returned from battle, scarred and weary.

George Wickham courting Georgiana.

Yesterday.

“How could she, Elizabeth? How could a woman as sensible as Georgiana accept a man like him?

Elizabeth smiled at the expression on Darcy’s face. She clearly remembered the day George Wickham presented himself at Pemberley. Six years of marriage to Lydia Bennet and serving under the firm hands of superior officers had wrought a change in the man that was extraordinary. He was everything a gentleman should be and had spent the past few years proving it to himself and to others. It had taken those years to change Darcy’s attitude towards him. Eventually, he had been pleased to welcome back the friend from his youth. However, to welcome him as husband to Georgiana? That had been altogether different.

“She loves him, Will.”

“Truly?”

“She does.”

He sighed. “Then there is nothing left but to give her permission, is there?”

“No, my dear, there is nothing left. It is a testimony to her love and his respect of you that your approval was asked. She is plenty old enough to make her own choice and act on it.” She wrapped her arms around her husband and held him tight.

“Then I shall say yes.” It was quietly muttered. He felt Elizabeth’s smile on his neck, then he felt her quick kiss.

“You are a good man, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

“I try to be.”

“Then, tell me about the bet you made with Richard.”

Yes, he lived his life each day trying to be the man his father wanted him to become. However, as memories came rushing in, he chuckled at the memory of why he had a son named Richard. It was a story worth telling, but one he would never share.

“And, what have you found such delight in, my husband?”

“Only you, my beloved. Only you.”

The End

My question to you, Janet, is what sort of wager between Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam would have resulted in having their firstborn named for each other. Do you suspect it may have to do with the recalcitrant colt? It has been exactly 14 ½ months since I wrote this and I still cannot figure it out. Do you believe you or your friends might be able to assist me? I’m sure they know both Darcy and the colonel as well as I do.

BTW, I’m coming bearing gifts for a few who offer comments below within the next few days. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Stunning gifts I would love to have myself. There are two autographed print copies of The Abominable Mr. Darcy, two eBook copies of the same book, and one copy of Colours of Jane Austen, the most extraordinary coloring book I have ever seen that is only available from Indigo in Canada. Along with Colours will be a box of 72 colored pencils. It is so lovely that even the inside dust jackets have pictures to decorate. Swoon!!!

Oh, dear. Janet, I believe I am needed back in Hertfordshire. Mr. Darcy has gone and gotten himself in a bit of trouble with the locals and Miss Elizabeth Bennet is after his head. I’d best see if I can restore peace. Goodbye!

Joy, you must hurry along to Hertfordshire. I do hope you can sort things out for Mr. Darcy. That man! He does have his troubles, doesn't he? Bless his heart, they are usually of his own making, too. And Miss Elizabeth...goodness, I do wish she would not go after that handsome head of is. Please, please, restore the peace. 

Thank you J. Dawn King for stopping by and visiting today. The pleasure has been all mine and you are welcome to pop in anytime. Do consider bringing more of that delicious tea and those scrumptious pastries when you do too! :)

1 Colouring Book

2 Signed Paperbacks

2 eBooks

            

Colored Pencils go with Colouring Book

Now Dear Readers, it is time for you to have your treat! Ms. King has a special surprise for one lucky person as she has already mentioned. Just take a look above at these lovely things in the giveaway. There are five giveaways...two autographed print copies of The Abominable Mr. Darcy, two Ebook copies of it and one copy of a lovely Colours of Jane Austen colouring book with 72 colored pencils. I know I am just repeating what J. Dawn King already told you but, my goodness, don't you think such a generous giveaway is worth repeating? As you see, I definitely do. Thank you, Ms. King, for your generosity. I must tell you, I do love the cover of your book, The Abominable Mr. Darcy! :)

Tell us what you think may have been the wager between Darcy and Fitzwilliam. I must say, I am a bit stumped. I must continue to think on this one! As always, somewhere in your comment, please leave me your contact info so that you may be entered to win. If I cannot reach you, sadly, you cannot win. The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM on the 18th of July, 2016. Good luck to all!