A Child for Elizabeth Page 3

  “Well Miss Agnes, what do you think of our newest arrival? I foresee trouble in that one, why else would Darcy have used my title? And what of his Elizabeth? She too shows signs of being with child, but I doubt she even realizes it yet. Well, wherever you are, if it is not too much trouble…. do keep an eye out and maybe put in a word with the man above. I may need it.”

  Maura stared at the carved stone for another minute before laying down the bouquet of wildflowers that she had brought. They were the only bits of color in the line of grey stones. Of the near two dozen, that of Agnes Watson was the largest, the rest belonged to the poor babes and mothers that had not survived. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, childbirth was still one of the most dangerous things for women. With one last sigh, she turned away and found that she had been observed. Rosamund Endicott stood eyeing her from just outside the perimeter. Hands clasped behind her back, she gave the appearance of innocence, but Maura knew far better than to trust one of her charges so soon. All too often they tried to run away, or the child’s father orchestrated an escape. Of these, it was rare that she ever allowed it to happen. Most had no money, or had been abandoned by the man responsible… but once… and only once, there had been a happy ending, but that had been long ago and not likely to ever occur again.

  “Do you need something? Our accommodations may be Spartan, but they are adequate,” Maura inquired politely, but had no intention of giving in to any sort of personal demands.

  “What could I possibly need from a woman that speaks to the dead? Lady Maura.”

  The taunt was clear, but Maura chose to ignore it. Her loyalty to the Darcy family did not go so far as to tolerate insolence from anyone.

  “The living can learn much from the dead unless they wish to join them. However, if you are settled, I suggest we examine you and then discuss a few rules… oh, and your duties here as well. We do not keep servants aside from the occasional man from Pemberley to do heavy work and they have strict orders to keep away from everyone.”

  Maura watched with amusement as the young woman’s mouth dropped in protest before quickly closing to a thin angry line. It would be a very short-lived test of wills, one in which Maura never lost. Sweeping past, she motioned for Rosamund to follow, the sooner the pecking order was established, the better. Perhaps that was why Darcy had chosen to use her title. She had not asked about the girl’s background, preferring to have that information come by choice. This was no simple village girl, but one of the aristocracy, and of a family to which Maura was acutely familiar, but of that connection, she had chosen to keep private. That could make matters much worse, since Darcy had made one request before leaving. Of a sensitive nature, he had waited until Elizabeth had gone before them with Rosamund into her cottage.

  “Her father wants the child… but only if male.”

  “That is not our usual arrangement.”

  “No, but it was the only way I could get him to agree to giving her over to my care. The man has considerable power and much less kindness.”

  Maura had only nodded, but did not voice agreement. It was far too early to worry about such things. Right now, the care of her charge mattered most. Miserable mothers did not make healthy babies, but nor did lazy ones. Fresh air and exercise, along with a diet without too many sweets was best, and enforced. Taking a circuitous route to the building that served as her infirmary, Maura pointed out the various purposes of the others.

  “That one is the distillery. We grow most of our food, using greenhouses, as well as a variety of medicinal herbs. You will be expected to tend the gardens for at least an hour a day, health permitting. The laundry is over there. My daughter Melinda has a strange affection for that particular occupation and I encourage it, but your small clothes will be your personal responsibility. As for cooking, I prefer to do that myself, but meals are at specific times and I do not cater to selective appetites unless medically warranted. Keep in mind, Melinda nor I, am your servant, and any abuse of her or anyone else will result in your immediate removal. I do this as a favor to the Darcys. It is fortunate that no other girls are here. That means privacy, but also less hands to share the work. Am I understood?”

  Maura did not expect a reply but was not met by any protest and moved along to the reason for Rosamund’s stay as they entered the infirmary.

  “Here is where you will have your lying in. As you can see, it is quite comfortable, but also equipped for emergencies. I am not a doctor, but I will send for one if necessary. You are in good hands… now tell me… just how far along are you?”

  Rosamund had felt a lump that was not a child grow inside her quickly as they toured the grounds. Her warden was not someone to be easily bribed or swayed by the use of her social station. Here she was nothing, no one… but not for long. There had to be a way to get out a message…and then she would be gone. But for now, it was necessary to play the obedient penitent. Swallowing heavily, she answered the midwife’s question, but gave no more than required.

  “About three months…”

  ~Seven~

  As the midwife took measure of her charge, the Darcy’s also discussed the situation, but their words, beginning in a most cordial manner, eventually erupted in to a heated disagreement that would not be easily mended. Elizabeth had been surprised at first, and then later hurt, that she had never known of Maura Runnymede’s existence. How was she to serve as an effective mistress of Pemberley if she was not aware of all if its inhabitants? In the first year of their marriage, Darcy had taken great pains to introduce her to what she had thought was everyone. Of course, she could not recall all of the residents by name, but one such as Maura would not have been forgotten.

  “So, what other secrets are there around here? Do we have a monster living in the reflecting pond as well?” she asked lightly in an attempt to masque her feelings.

  “There are no secrets, Maura Runnymede is a very private person, and for obvious reasons, does not like attention. The world is a cruel place, she would save her daughter and her charges what misery they would suffer. Besides, her place is not technically part of Pemberley. She owns the five acres around the house free and clear. When she passes it will go to Melinda, but I fear that other arrangements may need to be made.”

  Slightly mollified, Elizabeth only nodded before inquiring further. “What happens to their children?”

  “Most of them are taken in by extended family, but Maura has connections to an organization that can place them with willing families should that not be possible.”

  “And the girls?”

  “Positions are found for the lower classes, away from anyone who might question their character…. Pemberley has taken a few over the years, or provided references when needed.”

  “I cannot imagine Rosamund Endicott taking any sort of post.”

  “No… ones like her are difficult. There is really no place for them unless their family is willing to allow their return. I don’t think that is an option for her. It is unfortunate that Peter Endicott has control over her fortune, otherwise she might live anywhere… with her child.”

  “Is there nothing legally she can do? Is her fortune not from her mother’s side?”

  “I suppose she could take it to court, but it would expose her indiscretion, a fact that may nullify her judgement as sound in the eyes of the courts.”

  “You cannot be serious? It just doesn’t seem right that the women have no other options… it is their child, but strangers are making all the decisions. Why is it that men do not consider women fit to do anything but serve as a decoration?”

  “I don’t!” Darcy retorted; a bit sharper than he intended.

  “But even your sister does not have control over her own fortune.”

  “Georgiana is just a child… and knows nothing of finances. It is not the same at all.”

  “Georgiana is older than I was when we wed. Did you consider me a child?”

  Darcy did not reply, it was an argument he could not win, but he was not about
to compare his own sister with the likes of Rosamund Endicott. Where Georgiana was sweet and compliant, Rosamund was all defiance.

  “Why has Georgiana never been taught to manage her own money? What if … God forbid… something happens to you? Have you ever considered that?”

  This time, Darcy allowed his growing irritation to have release. Did Elizabeth not trust him? Had he been remiss in his obligations? Indeed not! Sighing in exasperation, he rose and stared at her.

  “Every day that I live, I consider that! How could you believe that I don’t? But I have yet to see you show an interest in managing Pemberley… I assumed that you were content doing….whatever it is that you do all day!”

  Elizabeth did not look at her husband. Her eyes were fixed on some unknown place as she fought back tears, but could not be anything less than honest, however much her words may hurt.

  “It isn’t mine to manage…nor have you ever offered to teach me. Mr. Kennington does everything and I am never included in the decision making. Do you think I enjoy hours of idleness?”

  “Do you really want to know about the sale of wool and wheat? The cost of repairs to the crofts? If so, you are welcome to join us, but how can you say that Pemberley is anything but ours…. And I do mean ours? All of this will belong to our children and their children.”

  “But we don’t have any children…” Elizabeth whispered as her resolve crumbled, allowing a watershed of repressed tears to flow down her cheeks. This was the first true argument that had ever come between them and she hated herself for it. Only the arms of her husband, wrapped around her in comfort provided some solace, for he too felt the void in their lives, but could offer no equitable solution for the present. But for the first time, began to consider what would happen to Pemberley should they remain childless. His entire legacy would go to Georgiana and her descendants should she marry…unless Elizabeth would consider taking the child of another as her own. It was a thought that he would keep to himself for now, but it was an option should no other present…

  ~Eight~

  For the next few days, a sad truce was declared between Elizabeth and Darcy as neither mentioned the subject of children. But true to his promise, Elizabeth was included in all matters of estate management. This novelty, was one of surprise to the estate manager, but always a prudent man, Narvel Kennington soon realized the value of his mistress’ opinions.

  “What exactly is this entry labeled ‘petty cash’”. For something with such name, I would not expect it to total over five hundred pounds. That is more than many people have as a year’s income.”

  “Indeed, it is, but Pemberley often requires small purchases for which it would be inconvenient to draw from a bank or other account. It is essentially the amount of ready money that is always in the home. More often than not, it goes to transient workers or household purchases.”

  “I see, but should it not then have its own ledger? And who is responsible for it?”

  “I… well, I suppose Mrs. Reynolds is.” The steward supplied uncertainly. In truth, he had not the slightest idea, only that the amount was placed in a locked drawer each month. What happened to it afterwards, was unknown.

  “No, Mrs. Reynolds always petitions me when necessary. I thought you took care of that.” Darcy corrected with a puzzled look.

  Embarrassed, the steward cleared his throat and shook his head in denial, producing a small key from his pocket, he handed it to Elizabeth and gestured to a cabinet in a corner of the office. Opening the door, nearly a dozen sealed envelopes fell to the floor. Taking one in her hands, Elizabeth broke the seal to reveal the money in various notes.

  “Oh my, how much do you suppose is in there?”

  “I… I don’t know. This was something that I was instructed to do by your father. I never thought to question it.”

  “No one is accusing you of dereliction, but perhaps it is best to have a look at any other practice for which we don’t have a purpose. Elizabeth, since you discovered this windfall, it is yours to do with as you wish,” Darcy insisted as they collected the rest of the unused deposits. In all, there were over a dozen, one for every year since Mr. Kennington had taken over the post from the now deceased Mr. Wickham.

  “I shall have to consider it carefully. Perhaps an account at a bank would be in order until a decision is made,” she insisted, but the possibilities of how such an amount was to be invested made her head swam. After totaling the money, there was nearly seven thousand pounds.

  “Of course, we can go together… to ensure that the bankers are aware that you have full autonomy.”

  Elizabeth smiled, but it was bittersweet. While she appreciated her husband’s faith in her opinions, it did not solve the sole remaining void in their life. Sighing, she kept it to herself, but was glad when the meeting had concluded. While she would never admit it before the gentlemen, bookkeeping was not only taxing, it was utterly boring! However, she had gotten exactly what she had requested and much, much more. Excusing herself from their presence, Elizabeth requested one of the smaller carriages be made ready, for she had a call to pay. Refusing the offer of a driver, she did not wish for her movements to become the source of gossip, nor did she want the privacy of her intended location intruded upon. Ever since their first meeting, Elizabeth had wanted to become better acquainted with the mysterious Lady Maura Runnymede, and learn more about Rosamund Endicott. For despite the latter’s appearance of compliance, Elizabeth had not trusted her for a minute and would see for herself how she was getting on.

  ******

  Maura Runnymede, as if on some shared thought, was also thinking of the Darcy’s and the young woman that they had entrusted into her care. It was not often that she had noblewomen come to stay, stranger still, was the way Elizabeth Darcy had accepted her without question. While she had been aware that Darcy’s marriage had been to a woman that had been described by many as unconventional, it was a pleasant surprise to finally meet her. Although why it had taken nearly five years, that was a question as yet unanswered. However, the sound of an arriving carriage might just put that to rest as the smiling personage of Mrs. Darcy waved from the driver’s seat of a small curricle. The timing was perfect, as Miss Endicott was resting after a morning of weeding one of the vegetable patches. Of that particular task, she had not voiced a single complaint, but looked down with a sigh at her manicured nails. Offering a pair of well-worn gloves, they had worked side by side in silence. Since her arrival, Rosamund had hardly said a word, but eventually, Maura would discover the truth, in the end, every last one poured their hearts and souls out, for there was no one else to listen to their laments. Rising from her chair on the front veranda of the largest cottage, and her personal residence, Maura greeted her guest.

  “Mrs. Darcy, this is a pleasant surprise.”

  “Please call me Elizabeth… I just had to see how Rosamund is fairing,”

  “Well enough…” Maura replied, but did not believe the excuse, for it surely was one and her countenance must have reflected the accusation for Elizabeth Darcy smiled and recanted.

  “No, that is only partly true…. I came to see you.”

  “Oh?”

  “I must apologize for having been remiss in coming prior, but quite honestly, I did not know of your existence…. perhaps if I had been in need of your skills…”

  Maura studied her carefully, there was a sadness about Elizabeth Darcy’s eyes that could not be hidden, at least not from one practiced in detecting concealed emotions.

  “No apologies are necessary, the privacy of the girls has always been paramount, and as you say… a midwife was not required…. but perhaps in a few months?”

  “But I am not.”

  “Aren’t you? All the signs are present… at least to me.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes brightened momentarily before resuming a shadow of worry. So many times in the past, she had suspected, only to be disappointed. Now, the expectation of loss had become her norm.

  “I have been feeling rathe
r poorly, but not in the mornings, and my monthly has never been regular.”

  “Unusual, but not unheard of. Some women are ill the entire time, others not at all. As for your courses, that too is a not surprising. If you wish, I could examine you… just to be sure.”

  “I should like that very much… but will you keep my confidence? I would not like to have Darcy know unless I am absolutely sure.”

  “This is a woman’s issue alone. Whomever you choose to tell, and when, is entirely up to you. Once confirmed, I can also provide some medicinal teas. There are a number of herbs that have been proven to prevent loss.”

  As the women entered the examination chamber, their conversation continued; Elizabeth as a way to calm her growing anxiety, and Maura, to assuage her patient’s fears.

  “I am most appreciative of your assistance,” Elizabeth insisted as she undressed.

  “It is my work. I could not imagine any other life, especially not one of idleness.”

  “Agreed, I often feel that women have limited choices, yet we are criticized when a vocation is wished. Sometimes I imagine what life would have been had I not married. Even now, I have far too much time on my hands. So much so, that I have taken an interest in running the estate, but as to the exact aspect, it is undecided. Some sort of improvement for the residents is my desire, but as to what that will entail… I am open to suggestions.”

  “I had often wished for an opportunity to go to university, but unfortunately that was never possible. Even now, women are not admitted, nor are they encouraged in any occupation unless deemed ‘unmarriageable’.”

  “I know… one of my own sisters was considered so, but even she is engaged now. I have often wondered how many women would choose to forego marriage in favor of some sort of occupation.”

  “Probably more than we realize, if the occupations had wages to support oneself. If not for my own inheritance, and the generosity of the Darcys, this place would not exist. As it is, I serve as only a temporary solution to a problem, but aside from my skills as a midwife, I am not qualified to provide any sort of schooling.”