A Child for Elizabeth Page 4

  “No… of course not, but you have given me much to consider. Perhaps some sort of vocational school? Nannies, governesses… even lady’s maids. All require specific knowledge and so often many are hired based upon references of character, but no actual experience.”

  Maura only smiled. She found the idea slightly romantic, as one to be expected from a woman that had no economic need to ever lift a finger for herself, but she would reserve judgement, for Mrs. Darcy, upon first opinion, did not seem as sheltered as others of her station. Unfortunately, her silence was interpreted for what it was and Elizabeth admitted her own ignorance.

  “I know it seems a fool’s errand, but the prospect of being dependent upon anyone is irritating. Women trade fathers for husbands. Only wealthy widows seem to have any true freedom.”

  “Please don’t tell me you have considered that!” Maura said with feigned shock.

  “No, of course not. I love Darcy dearly and should be lost without him, but it is true.”

  By now, Maura had concluded her exam and waited until Elizabeth had repaired her wardrobe, busying herself with the selection of various herbs from an array of glass jars bearing Latin names. At least for now, she had pleasing news to provide.

  “Well Mrs. Darcy… I believe you are indeed carrying a child, a little less than three months gone, if my calculations are correct.”

  “Your absolutely sure?”

  “Yes silly! Now take these and infuse them into a tea every morning. They should help with the nausea as well.”

  “I cannot thank you enough…”

  “Save the thanks, all I did was confirm what you already knew. Sometimes we just need a bit of reassurance…now, if you are dressed, I suggest we have some tea before seeing about Miss Endicott. I fear that working in the garden has made her quite tired of my company and there is something that I wish to share with you about her…in the strictest of confidence. Something of which even your husband is not aware.

  To this, Elizabeth nodded in agreement. If Maura was willing to keep her secret, she would return the favor. But as all secrets do, it would eventually come out, or perhaps that was what she wished? Either way, her curiosity was indeed piqued, for there was far too much mystery surrounding both Maura Runnymede and Rosamund Endicott.

  ~Nine~

  Elizabeth and Maura repaired to the rear of the cottage where a table and chairs had been arranged inside a circle of blooming rhododendrons. From this vantage point, the design of the property was clearly apparent. With the main house as center, the rest of the structures fanned in a half circle around. The outbuildings and residential guest cottages forming a solid border, sheltering the well-ordered beds of flowers, herbs and vegetables. It also allowed for and movement to be observed from that same point. There would be no covert business occurring without Maura’s notice.

  “I see you approve of our arrangement. It was not always so, but on occasion, there have been unwanted visitors, so things changed out of necessity. I cannot have my charges wandering off in their condition. The best plans always go badly when one goes into labor.”

  Elizabeth smiled as she caught the movement of a curtain in one of the cottages. Looking in the same direction, Maura nodded.

  “I see we are being observed as well. It is only a matter of time before she tries to run, but to where and without assistance, I have no idea. As of yet, Rosamund has been compliant, but I suspect that she is simply biding her time until an opportunity arises. But I assure you, there will not be one. Aside from myself and Melinda, there are no other people here, and the man who makes weekly deliveries of supplies is near seventy. It is Peter Endicott that I have concerns, especially if he ever discovers that Rosamund is with me.

  “Lord Upton? I thought he knew the details of the arrangement.”

  “Not entirely. My name is never provided. It is something upon which I insist, and more so now than ever.”

  “Darcy did say that he was extremely angry…near violence, but surely you are safe here.”

  “I am well acquainted with the uncontrollable anger of the Endicott men…you see, Peter is my brother. I use my grandmother’s name to discourage any connection.”

  “Oh…I see.”

  “No, you don’t… When I discovered that I was expecting Melinda, he became enraged, said I was a disgrace to the family name. He was less than careful about who knew and as you know, gossip spreads like wildfire. In the end, my scandal was enough to call off his own engagement. The girl’s father would not share the taint of my indiscretion even though I had not begun to show evidence of pregnancy. Any manner of the usual arrangements could have been made, but the old man refused. Peter blamed me entirely… and not without cause. In the end, he made all manner of threats, so much so that I began to fear for my person. If not for the elder Mr. Darcy, I do believe that Peter may have contrived a convenient accident to befall me. George Darcy arranged for me to come here, and have control of my fortune, but my brother never knew where I went, who helped me. Peter knew better than to make a fuss, for the publicity would have been embarrassing. I am dead to him.”

  “Your own brother! My own youngest sister has done a few things that needed patching. Darcy saw to her marriage… but we would have never considered… no, not ever…”

  “As would most rational human beings, but my brother is a very selfish man much like our father before him. All his life he has only thought of himself, but that changed when he met Jane. I believe that she was the only person he ever loved. The loss made an already angry man extremely bitter and cruel. Eventually, he married another, but it was out of duty. Rosamund’s mother must have had a life of misery. From what I have been told, Susannah Endicott was a mouse of a woman.”

  “All I know is that she died a few years after the birth of another child. Do you expect Rosamund to have any difficulties in that regard?”

  “Perhaps, but that is not always the case. I am a believer that the atmosphere in which one lives is just as important as the mother’s health. We shall see.”

  “My own mother had five daughters… but no sons. Even the one child that came far too early was female. I have often thought of that ‘lost sister’ and what she would have been like.”

  “Well, there is no reason that you should not have a healthy baby. Keep that thought in mind… always. It does no one any bit of good to dwell upon what cannot be changed.”

  Elizabeth agreed wholeheartedly, but noticed a shadow of sorrow pass over Maura’s eyes. There were regrets in this her life, yet she refused to allow them to take rein. Daring a question, she hoped that their current confidence would not be ruined, for Elizabeth desperately wanted this woman as her friend.

  “If I may…and if I am out of order, I apologize, but…” Elizabeth began, but paused in apprehension.

  “But?... I suppose you are wondering about Melinda’s father.”

  “If you would rather not… I understand.”

  “No… that secret has ceased to be years ago. No scandal can harm him for he is long dead.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be, at least my memories are happy ones. Henry was a Naval officer and we were deeply in love. He had one last voyage before planning on resigning his commission so we could be married. He was only scheduled to be gone for a few weeks, no more than that. I suppose we were careless, but with so many plans for the future, we never had a care for the present. His ship was caught in a storm off the coast of Portugal…all were lost.”

  “I cannot imagine your grief…I feel terrible for even bringing it up…please forgive me.”

  “Don’t, for I have no regrets. Even though I lost Henry, I have Melinda, and that is everything.”

  ~Ten~

  Rosamund Endicott studied the two women through the obscurity of the lace curtain. Her small fists were balled up in irritation. There sat her gaolers, sipping tea, while she was sent to her chamber like a naughty child. Digging her broken nails into her palms, the pain did little to provide rel
ief. Already, she had a letter to post, but no way to ensure it would not be intercepted. Not that anyone would dare open it once it arrived at its destination, the problem was getting it there. In the three days of her imprisonment, she had seen not a single soul aside from Maura Runnymede and her daughter. Even her attempts to befriend the simpleton had proven fruitless.

  “Mama says no,” the girl had said repeatedly when she tried to have her slip the letter into the outgoing post. Bribery was her next plan, but with nothing to offer, it too was of no use. It could be weeks before such an opportunity arose, and one for which she did not wish to wait. Her petite frame was already showing the tell-tale changes caused by pregnancy. Soon, none of the few clothes she had brought would fit, but that was of small worry when it came to the greatest impingement to her freedom. She had absolutely no money, nor any way of getting any. The few pounds of pocket money allocated by her father on the rare occasion of going to a town had been confiscated upon her removal from Upton Chase. Mrs. Maguire, her father’s spy and housekeeper had seen to that, turning her chamber upside down in search of anything that would lead to the name of her child’s father. Only the locket about her neck bore a single clue to the man’s identity, and that a mere initial. Now, as she thought of him, her blistered fingers rubbed the engraved letter A, causing a wistful smile to break her features. What would he think of her situation? Uttering a small laugh, she imagined the sermon.

  “It is a good thing to work with one’s hands…honest work, and you should be grateful to those who offer you a safe haven.”

  But then, Andrew was always sermonizing, for that was what he did best and the reason their affections had remained hidden. Her father would never permit the marriage between his only daughter and a poor curate, despite his respectable family connections. Nor could they run away, with nearly a year until he was eligible to apply for his own living, they were forced to secrecy. Unfortunately, babies were a difficult thing to keep secret, yet he had taken even this event as a sign of God’s will.

  “Marriage is a promise between two people under God. We have said our vows to each other, that is all that matters for HE sees everything and knows our hearts,” he had insisted and gave her the locket in place of a ring.

  “God may know our hearts, but I think only the Devil knows my father’s,” she had countered, for his optimism could not be shared when one lived with the devil himself. Now, miles away and living in a virtual convent, was Andrew even aware of her departure? Her father would have told some tale about visiting relatives or some such nonsense, but would it be believed, or would he search for her? Catching the eye of Elizabeth Darcy through the curtain, she knew that she had been caught and quickly dropped the fabric back in place, but it was too late. Within a few minutes, the arrival of her “keepers” was announced by a tap on the outer door before it opened without her consent. Privacy was a luxury no longer to be had.

  “Rosamund? Its Maura… Mrs. Darcy has come to see how you are faring.

  Having hastily dropped into a chair, Rosamund looked up from the book she had pretended to be reading, but the façade was wasted. The copy of The Mysteries of Udolpho was clearly upside down, but neither visitor said anything as they settled opposite like two crows, passing glances of amusement between them at her expense. However, she had one request that would be difficult to deny.

  “I am well enough…but…”

  “But? Is there something you require?” Elizabeth asked gently, but looked to Maura for agreement.

  “Rosamund, despite how things may seem, you are not a prisoner here, besides… where else would you go? Our isolation is for your safety and that of your child. I am aware of your father’s nature… and his ultimatum.”

  “It’s just that… well…I was accustomed to attending church regularly. Will there be any sort of services that I might attend?”

  This request came as a surprise to both women, especially Maura Runnymede. Her brother had often been known to scorn anything associated with religion. She doubted that he would have encouraged religious faith in his daughter, but perhaps that was her one solace. Women in desperate situations often sought divine assistance in a world that always sided with the man responsible for their misery. Due to the nature of her guests, it was rare that they ever wanted religious counsel and it had been some years since a vicar had attended anyone at her home. Only when someone died were last rites performed. It was hypocritical, but most of the priests she encountered considered her charges to be fallen women, and beyond redemption. However, she did not have the heart to deny the request, but made no promises.

  “I shall see what I can do.”

  ~Eleven~

  Upon her return to Pemberley, Elizabeth was pleased to discover that her sister-in-law had also arrived home. It did much to make up for the disappointing visit with Rosamund Endicott, as the young woman had refused to converse further once her request to see a priest had been made. Leaving her to rest, Elizabeth promised to call upon Maura regularly.

  “We can keep track of your progress, but feel free to send a message if you have particular concerns. Our post is quite secure.”

  She had given her thanks and promised to do so. It would be difficult to keep her secret from Darcy, but perhaps with Georgiana’s presence, he would be distracted. Since her brother’s marriage, Miss Darcy had been gone more than home, visiting different relatives in turn, with little time at Pemberley. At first, this constant absence had seemed strange for a girl who tended to be reclusive.

  “Do you suppose she is uncomfortable with me living here?” Elizabeth had queried. She would hate for her newest sister to feel awkward in her own home.

  “Not at all, I suspect she simply wants to give us privacy.”

  In the end, Elizabeth had relaxed, for she was regaled with accounts of the social events that her paternal aunts had insisted she attend. Preoccupied with each other, she and Darcy had neglected Georgiana and her need to experience a world outside of Pemberley. Having truly gotten past her disappointing infatuation with the former steward’s son, now married to Elizabeth’s own youngest sister, Georgiana Darcy appeared ready to engage in more serious attachments. At just past twenty-two years of age, it was time she considered marriage herself, but as of yet, there had been no mention of any particular gentleman. If anything, Miss Darcy had become openly selective in her opinions of the prospects available to one in her social circle.

  “There is hardly a man out there that does not consider my fortune above all else. I often feel like a prize horse for sale. Not only that, but I have yet to find anyone with a true love of music. Oh, they pretend to do so, but when a conversation of specific pieces and techniques is held, they slither off under a pile of excuses for what can only be ignorance. I cannot bear it! Sometimes I feel that there is no one out there destined for me.”

  This announcement had come shortly before her departure to Rosings Park some weeks ago. The visit, to her least favorite Aunt, was one of duty, but she did enjoy the company of her cousin Anne, a young lady in a similar situation. Unfortunately, Anne’s lack of a romantic interest had more to do with her overbearing mother, than a dearth of shared interests. No young man could dare enter Rosings without first meeting Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s strict requirements. Now, Georgiana had returned with a renewed irritation of what most people deemed “polite society”.

  “Oh Elizabeth, it was miserable. We were spoken of as if we were not even there… the gentlemen too. Some days I despair of marriage altogether, but what else is there for me? Why can’t a woman have a purpose beyond that? Oh, I did not mean any disrespect to you or my brother, but then, you are not like most people, but I often feel rather useless.”

  “Well, you are home now, and hopefully for a considerable time. I must admit to having missed you greatly.”

  “And I you…” Georgiana agreed, embracing her sister-in-law briefly before stepping back and eyeing her curiously.

  “Elizabeth… pardon me for saying, but there
is something different about you…I cannot place it.”

  “Oh dear…I hoped it was not too obvious.”

  “What? Are you ill? You do not appear so, if anything, quite the opposite.”

  “I… oh, I give up. I am terrible at keeping secrets, but as I have yet to tell your brother, you must remain silent.”

  “Oh? OH! You are pregnant!” Georgiana squealed at a volume that propelled Elizabeth to place a hand over her mouth.

  “Shh… I wanted to be sure…”

  “He will be so pleased.”

  “Yes, but you know how he is… over cautious. He will treat me like I am made of glass.”

  “Don’t I know that! But should you not take things easier?”

  “Exercise is good for a person, and besides, I would go completely mad if forced to remain indoors, or worse… in bed all day!”

  “I cannot imagine that!”

  “Indeed, so I must have your promise to not tell until I am ready… until then, I have something else that requires your opinion. It may also be just the thing you have been seeking to alleviate your feelings of having no purpose.”

  For the next few hours before dinner, Elizabeth informed Georgiana of the events that had transpired in her absence, including the discovery of the money as well as the unfortunate situation of Rosamund Endicott.

  “I had no idea that place existed or have ever heard of anyone named Maura or the Runnymede family. But Rosamund and I used to be rather friendly when Papa was alive. He used to visit Upton Chase regularly and I would accompany him. Fitzwilliam was away at school most of the time… it was lonely without any playmates, but she and I would have great fun even though I was two years older. We even kept a regular correspondence for some time, but eventually the letters stopped. I suppose we grew apart…It must be at least six years now since I last saw her.”