Page 127
“Yes. Jane wishes to improve Morgan Manor since that will pass to David when he reaches his majority. In any case, that is not on my list of things to worry about yet.”
“Where are you off to next?”
“I am at leisure to stay here or at Matlock Manor until Father has time to accompany me to Sheffield to examine Brookstone. It has been years since I was there, and I wish to know if it is as I recall.”
“Normally, I would go with you, but since Elizabeth cannot travel, nor should the baby, I will be staying put for some time.”
“I understand. I shall just make a list of any questions I may have and show them to you upon my return.”
“I should be glad to address them once you have.”
In the bedroom
As William brought Bennet back into Elizabeth’s bedroom, he did so quietly, believing she might still be asleep; however, as he walked towards the cradle she said quietly, “I hope this means breakfast is ready, for my stomach is making awful noises.”
William could not help but smile. “It does. Abby went after the trays only minutes ago.”
“Excellent! Now, bring my baby to me. I wish to cuddle him before you place him in the cradle.”
William did as she asked, sitting down on the side of the bed and handing her their son. “If you wake him, he may think it time to feed again,” he warned her quietly.
“Do not worry,” Elizabeth said. “Bennet sleeps well once his belly is full, just like his father.”
William’s mouth twitched as he struggled to hold back a laugh. Soon afterwards, however, his mien grew serious, and his heart filled with love as he watched Elizabeth gather their son to her bosom and begin placing soft kisses all over his face.
“I love you so much, my darling boy.”
A knock on the door announced breakfast had arrived, so William crossed the room to open the door. Motioning to a small table, he said, “Set them there, please.”
Abby did as asked then quickly exited the room, whilst William returned to the bed. “Are you ready for Bennet to occupy his cradle now?”
“I am.”
Taking his son, William gave Bennet a kiss before placing him in the cradle and covering him with a small blanket. Then returning to Elizabeth, he sat back down on the bed, saying, “I wish to show you something before we eat.”
He was delighted when her right eyebrow rose in question, one of her many actions that had first sparked his interest in her. Suddenly, her stomach growled loudly, “Can it not wait until after we have eaten?”
“No, it cannot; however, I shall make quick work of it.” Reaching inside a pocket of his coat, William brought out a small, black box and held it out to Elizabeth. “I hope you like it.”
“Oh, William! You should not have, for I have nothing to give you.”
“You have given me a son, and he is far superior to any gift I might purchase.”
Elizabeth leaned forward to give her husband a quick kiss before opening the box. Her breath caught at the sight of a gold heart engraved with the name ‘Bennet.’ Turning the heart over, she discovered that entire side was covered in small diamonds.
“Oh, William! It is beautiful!” she proclaimed as loudly as she dared without waking their son.
“Since we had already settled on a name, I had my jeweller engrave ‘Bennet’ on it, though he will need to add our son’s date of birth and birthstone below the name when next we are in Town.”
“But what if Bennet had been a girl?”
William grinned. “You will discover that I always cover my bets. In my safe downstairs, there is a matching heart engraved with the name ‘Anne.’ Once you give birth to Anne Elizabeth, we will add her date of birth and birthstone to it.”
“Slow down, Fitzwilliam Darcy,” Elizabeth said, laughing at his carefully laid plans. “I hope to enjoy Bennet for a while before adding another babe to our family.”
“All in good time, my love. All in good time.”
William picked up the heart to point out the clasp attached. I had this added so that you may wear it on a necklace or on the charm bracelet I have on order. I hope to add a similar heart for each child God gives us.”
