Page 86 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

“Lizzy, your uncle sent the fabric and paper samples for Rose Cottage.” Georgiana entered the room. “I thought that selecting the colours and arranging the changes to the house would help keep us busy this summer.”

“That is a lovely idea, Georgie.” Elizabeth turned and smiled. “Has Walter called today?”

“I expect him presently.” Georgiana left the samples on a nearby table. “I believe we will walk in the garden.”

“Tell him that I hope he and his parents will dine with us in a few weeks,” Elizabeth said. “Not immediately, of course, but the two of you have been engaged long enough for them to dine with us like family as we mourn.”

“I will, thank you, Lizzy.” Georgiana smiled. “You know, I do not even mind not entertaining and going out this summer. Of course, I miss Papa dreadfully. But Ramsgate is so restorative, and our family is here with us. I am glad we stayed.”

“I agree that there is something extraordinary about Ramsgate,” Elizabeth agreed. “It is quite special to Fitzwilliam and me, since we met and became engaged here. I am certain you will feel the same once you are married, even if you intend to live here permanently.”

“I am certain we will,” Georgiana said. “I am going to wait in the garden for Walter. Do you mind?”

“Of course not, dear,” Elizabeth assured her.

When the younger woman had gone, Elizabeth turned and lifted her son from his basket, then returned to the window. She listened to the sound of waves crashing in the distance and sighed in contentment.

“Now if only your Papa were here,” she murmured to her son.

“You speak, and I obey, madam,” her husband spoke from behind her.

Elizabeth whirled in delight. “Fitzwilliam! We did not expect you until Monday!”

“We hurried the entire journey, because Ashley and I missed our families so much,” Darcy confessed. “Ashley is already upstairs greeting your sister.”

“How was it?” she asked worriedly.

“It was bittersweet, but I was comforted to lay him by my mother at Pemberley, as he should be.” Darcy stroked his son’s head. “It is difficult to explain, but as much as I miss him, I am grateful that I had him here with us for as long as I did. I spent much of my last year at Cambridge worrying that I would lose him before I even left school, and his heart was so troubled the first year after I returned home that I was sure he would leave us before I turned twenty-three. That he was with us for so long is the sweetest gift I could have been given, besides you, and the children, of course.”

“That is how I felt about Lady Barry. I could not feel desolate when she passed, because I was so grateful for the time that we had.” Elizabeth understood.

“It is good that we are in Ramsgate with the family.” Darcy smiled. “But there is one thing that will make our stay sweeter.”

“What is that?” Elizabeth asked.

Darcy reached into his pocket and pulled out two small tins. “I stopped on my way through the village. Mr Johnson sent these for you.”

“Chocolate drops!” she exclaimed, shaking her head in laughter. “And candied orange peel!”

“I am predicting another sweet summer in Ramsgate, my dear.” He wrapped her and his son in his arms.

“My favourite kind,” Elizabeth sighed.