A Gentleman of Worth, page 22
“The day after your accident I started feeling tired and sick, though now that I consider it, I was fatigued a few days before.”
“You took a couple of naps after luncheon if I recall.”
She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. “I did, but I had not noticed my lack of courses. When you were so ill, I thought I was no more than overwrought from what had happened. While Grace, Phoebe, and I were planning our scheme, I had to rush out to be sick. They were who made me understand my malady was more than my nerves.”
“I am even more relieved, then, to be leaving the stale air of town for the country. The seaside and calm of Sandhurst will be beneficial to us both, it seems, and if we must remain until after your confinement, we shall. I shall take no chances with your health or that of the babe’s.”
She took his hand and began to walk around the water’s edge. “Are you not eager to return to Dereham—to the great house? I am certain whatever decoration is required will keep me busy until my time comes. You do not want me to be too idle. Boredom does not suit me. You must be aware of that by now.”
His soft smile warmed her heart. “I believe I can keep you quite occupied for the next seven or so months at Sandhurst—very occupied.”
Her cheeks burned while she laughed. “When I am great with child, you will still want me?”
“Amy,” he said, pulling her to face him. “I find every bit of you beautiful, and carrying my child will not change that. Childbirth is a risky endeavour, even for the healthiest of ladies. I would be horrible indeed if I treated you any less due to your state. You will, no doubt, be even lovelier.”
She laughed and nudged his shoulder with hers. “Such pretty words. Will you always speak to me so?”
“I should hope so. My love for you has only grown since we wed. I imagine it will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. You will likely tire of my attentions and lock me from your chambers after our fifteenth child, leaving me bereft and pining for your presence.” The sole hint of his humour was the slight quirk of his lips.
She burst out laughing. “Fifteen? I have heard ladies speak of the experience often enough that I am certain I shall lock you out much sooner than fifteen.”
He smiled and sighed. “I have heard of ways to prevent a lady from falling with child. If you like, we can use them after the babe is born so you do not become with child again too soon. While I am excited and pleased to have children with you, I do not require fifteen. I would not want to risk your life so many times. After all, what would I do without you?”
“When the time comes, we shall see. We need not make any decisions at this moment. I must confess, after these past weeks, I want nothing more than to spend my days with you, picnicking by the ruins of the great house, walking the shale beach, and riding with you.” After the investigator’s departure that day, she had confessed the only secret left between them—Lady Lincoln’s role in their hasty marriage. All that had occurred was to be left behind while they forged ahead towards the future ahead of them.
Anthony made an abrupt stop. “Wait a moment. You want to ride? You do understand we shall not be racing until this child is born.”
With a scoff, Amelia began to pull her recalcitrant husband towards their carriage. “Come. My stomach has settled for the time being. We should travel while your son has given us a reprieve. I do not want you to decide I am too ill to travel and spend the night at an inn. I want to sleep in our own bed.”
“Amy, I am in earnest. I shall return your horse to town should you test me.”
She grinned at him over her shoulder. As if he would ever upset her in such a way, in particular, right now.
“Amy?”
A laugh bubbled from her throat when he rushed up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. “You will challenge me at every turn, will you not?”
“’Tis why you love me, is it not?”
“You will be the death of me.” He kissed the side of her neck. “Amy, I know we have abstained due to my head paining me, but I want to love you tonight. No more waiting. I am happy to hold you while we sleep, but I have missed you.”
“I have missed you too.” She covered the hand he had placed on her stomach with hers.
“Come, let us go. The sooner we are back in the carriage, the sooner we are at Sandhurst, and the sooner I can lock you away in my bedchamber.” Her insides flipped at the low tone he rumbled into her ear.
“Who says you will need to lock me in?”
He helped her into the equipage and was soon beside her, rapping his walking stick on the ceiling. His palm found her stomach and caressed her through the folds of her travelling gown. “Lady Greene, how was I so fortunate that no other gentleman snatched you up after your coming out?”
“Maybe because I found them all wanting—none when compared to you, my dear Sir Anthony, were worthy of my time.”
“Thank goodness for that!” he said claiming her lips in a knee-buckling kiss.
Thank goodness indeed!
Anthony’s knee bounced while he stared at the fire, wincing at the sharp pain when he inadvertently bit too far into his fingernail. What was taking so long? A hand landed upon his leg and kept it from continuing its frantic dance.
“I understand, son, I do,” said Lord Richmond, “but if you do not stop that infernal tapping, we shall return to the ballroom for more fencing. You are so wound up; you will soon burst. Relax. Lizzybeth is with Amelia, as is her grandmother.”
Darcy sighed and took a sip of his brandy. “I just hope this does not frighten Elizabeth. She is nervous about her first confinement and wanted to know what to expect, which is why we made the journey to Dereham. With just over two months left before the child is born, I wanted to keep her at Pemberley, safe and sound. She wore me down. Thankfully, Dereham is not too far, else I would not have relented. I must say. I am not certain the knowledge is beneficial in this instance.”
“Amelia was pleased to have the family here for Christmastide,” said Anthony. “She kept herself busy redecorating the guest rooms while we waited. She had said she had no wish to be idle.”
The Montfords and Darcy had all arrived for Christmastide, though Nicholas had already returned to London, mumbling about business that required tending. Miss Darcy and Miss Montford were sleeping like the three of them would be as well—if it were not for Amy labouring to bring their child into the world.
Anthony sprang from his chair and began pacing. “How long must she endure this?”
He had remained until the arrival of the midwife, who saw him removed from the room as soon as she entered. Darcy and Lord Richmond had spent the rest of the day and evening attempting to distract him from what was taking place upstairs, but as the night progressed, their efforts were becoming more and more difficult. He had witnessed the pain etched upon her countenance before leaving. He hated to see her in pain.
After a huff, he made for the door, but Darcy raced after him and grabbed him by the arm.
“Where are you going?”
“Release me, Darcy. I intend to go to my wife. If you were in my position, would you not do the same?”
Darcy’s shoulders dropped, and he exhaled. “I would. You are aware you will cause an uproar?”
“I should have never let that woman force me from the room in the first place.” His legs carried him swiftly from the library and up the stairs. Upon entering the family wing, Amy’s cries reached his ears. She was calling for him!
He picked up his pace, returning to the bedchamber with a brisk step. The midwife looked up from her position between his wife’s legs and scowled. “What is a man doing in this room? Get him out.”
Without so much as glancing at the midwife, he ignored the woman’s demand and strode straight to the lady who had been his constant source of anxiety for hours, Amy pushed herself up until she could grab her knee and hold herself steady to look the midwife in the eye. “Get out, you blasted crone!”
The midwife straightened, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. “I beg your pardon!”
“I said get out!” Amy flung one arm out, her finger pointing towards the door. “I do not want you here. You are not Mrs. Crawford. If she was not ill, you would not be here—you…you… ill-tempered shrew!”
Anthony slid onto the bed behind Amy and wrapped an arm around his wife. “Shh. Do not excite yourself so, my love. ’Tis not good for the babe.” He glanced over to where Elizabeth Darcy and Lady Richmond stood beside the bed. Mrs. Darcy had a hand over her mouth, but it was clear she was attempting not to laugh, whereas the countess’s lips were pursed. Martin’s shoulders shook. The lady’s maid had not even attempted to hide her mirth. Did they agree with Amy’s assessment of the midwife? Was she truly so bad?
Amy’s head lolled against him until she faced the Dereham housekeeper. “Mrs. Evans, have this woman removed from Dereham. She is never to set foot in this house again.”
The midwife began to gather her belongings. “Well, I have never been treated thus.”
“I doubt that,” said Mrs. Darcy. Lady Richmond elbowed her granddaughter in the ribs.
After one last look at Amy with a countenance that would wither even the heartiest of flowers, the midwife stamped through the door. Martin, without impediment, stepped forward into the midwife’s previous position. “My lady, you must push. I can see the babe’s head.”
Every muscle in Amy’s body tensed and her hand entwined with his, clenching it until he flinched with the ferocity of her grip.
As one of Amy’s feet slipped down the sheet, Mrs. Darcy grabbed that leg, holding it in place. “I see her head, Amelia. You are almost done.”
“Thank God,” said Amy in a groan. “And I told you, Lizzy, this babe is a boy.”
Her cousin merely laughed. “If you want to prove me wrong so badly, then push him out.”
Anthony had not cared one bit whether they had a son or a daughter, but Amy had a dream not long after the child quickened that convinced her the babe would be a boy. Mrs. Darcy had taken great pleasure in teasing her cousin for her opinion.
Amy’s back arched, pressing against his chest, and she let out a low moan that ended with a gasp from Martin. “’Tis a girl, my lady.” A moment later, a squall filled the room. “A very loud and angry little girl.” The lady’s maid sniffed while tears streamed down her face. “Oh, my lady, I was there when your mother gave birth to you, and now, I am here for your own little girl. I only wish your mother were here too. She would be so proud of you.”
“She would indeed,” said Lady Richmond as she helped Martin tie off the cord, cut it, and clean the baby.
Anthony’s eyes burned, and he could not breathe. He had a daughter. A little girl who, God willing, would resemble her mama, and whom he could dote on and spoil. The arm wrapped around Amy tightened. She had survived the birth, but she still needed to endure healing, which was just as dangerous.
He kissed where her shoulder and neck met. “I love you,” he whispered near her ear.
“I love you too.” When she turned to look at him, tears poured down her cheeks. “We have a daughter, Sir Anthony.”
“Are you disappointed?”
She wearily shook her head. “No. I have never been so overjoyed to be wrong. But now, we need to have a boy she can torment and who can torment her.”
Lady Richmond sighed. “You may believe you want your children to have the same childhood, but you do not know what it was like to parent such an upbringing.” The countess placed the baby in Amy’s waiting arms, and he wrapped his arms around her in a way that allowed them both to hold their daughter.
“I can manage frogs and snakes in the house, Lady Richmond,” he said. “Phoebe and I should have enjoyed those diversions growing up had we been introduced to them. We did not become close until we were older. We each had our own governesses and tutors. We saw each other most often at dinner and in the drawing room after. I admire the closeness of Amy with her brother and cousins. Why would I not want my children to emulate their loving friendship?”
“Be careful what you wish for,” said Mrs. Darcy with a chuckle. “I am exhausted.” She kissed Amy on the cheek. “I am so happy for you both.”
Lady Richmond kissed them both on the cheek. “I shall tell your grandfather. Goodnight, dearest.” Before the countess departed, she stopped at the door and faced them. “And Anthony, I do believe you should address us as our grandchildren do when we are a family party. You are family, after all.”
As soon as they were blessedly alone, they both watched their daughter, who now slept with one little fist pressed against her chubby, pink cheek.
“Was the midwife truly so bad? You called her a ‘blasted evil crone.’”
“She was hideous, but I do not wish to speak of that woman now. What shall we name our little girl?” asked Amy.
“I would wish to honour your mother and call her Isabella. What do you think?”
She nodded and looked up at him with shiny eyes. “I would love that. Then, perhaps, Elizabeth for my cousin.”
“Isabella Elizabeth,” he said pressing his temple to Amy’s hair. “That little tuft of hair on her head resembles yours. Do you think she will have your auburn locks?” It would please him to no end if she looked like Amy.
“You asked me if I was disappointed she is not a boy, but what of you? Are you?”
“Dereham is not entailed. If you bore me ten girls, I should not care one whit—well, except for providing them each with a fortune of their own. We should need to live with economy.”
“We could manage.”
“With you, my dearest Amy, I could manage anything—even the coming out of ten beautiful daughters who look like their mother and have the dispositions to match.”
“Their husbands would be very fortunate men.” A weak chuckle followed her quip.
“I cannot argue. After all, I am the most fortunate of them because I have you.”
“Such lovely words.”
He caressed their daughter’s soft cheek. “For the two of you, I shall have a lifetime of lovely words. My heart is so full. All I dreamt of—spent years hoping for—is in my arms at this moment. How can I speak otherwise?”
“We both had the same dreams, though I do wish to give you a son one day. The thought of ten girls rather terrifies me. That said, I am exhausted, but I do not want to stop looking at her.”
“Sleep, dearest. I shall ensure she is safe. I am not fatigued in the slightest. After today, I cannot stop holding you both just yet.” As Amy’s breathing evened, and her head settled against his chest, he thanked God for the two blessings in his arms. His wife had called him a worthy gentleman, yet he could only consider himself the most fortunate man in the world.
The End
Acknowledgements
This has been a whirlwind publication! Thank you so much to all who helped me finally get Anthony and Amelia’s story released. Huge thank yous to Debbie for betaing and Marie for her last minute and amazing proofreading.
Huge thanks to Carol, who takes her red pen and goes through each manuscript she edits with a careful eye. It can be difficult seeing your book baby with all that red marked everywhere, but in the end, it makes the writing better, which is what counts.
All my appreciation is for Jane Austen whose amazing characters keep me writing, even when I continue their story with my own to follow. Darcy and Elizabeth or some other Austen character is never far from my thoughts or has some influence, so Austen definitely deserves a ton (if not all) of the credit.
I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my husband, children, and friends. My love to you all.
My biggest thanks to those who read my books. Your wonderful comments and re-reads make it possible for me to get these stories out of my head instead of existing in a constant loop in my mind. It’s amazing. Once I have a story out on paper, so to speak, a new one will pop into my head and take over. The beginning of Agony and Hope was in my head for years!
I could not do this without any of you, so thank you!
About the Author
L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she spent the majority of her life living within an hour of New Orleans before following her husband all over as a military wife. Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, England, Missouri, and now Maryland have all been called home along the way.
Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. Her most recent endeavors have included certifications to coach swimming and a number of fitness certifications. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolor is her medium of choice with one of her watercolors featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Leslie also plays flute and piano, but much like Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!
If you enjoyed this story, get my latest news and a free short story by joining my mailing list! Just click this paragraph for the link.
Author’s works:
Rain and Retribution
A Matter of Chance
An Unwavering Trust
The Earl’s Conquest
Particular Intentions
Particular Attachments
Unwrapping Mr. Darcy
The Wedding Planners Series:
Book 1: It’s Always Been You
Book 2: It’s Always Been Us
Book 3: It’s Always Been You and Me
Book 4: He’s Always Been the One
Undoing
Confined with Mr. Darcy
Agony and Hope
His Perfect Gift
That Perfect Someone
The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror
